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LIBRARY 

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Theological    Semirvary, 
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A  manual    for   the   afflicted 

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A      DONATION 

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MANUAL     C^21 


THE      AFFLICTED: 

COMPRISING 
A    PRACTICAL    ESSAY    ON    AFFLICTION, 

AND  A   SERIES   OF 

MEDITATIONS    AND     PRAYERS, 

SELECTED    AND     ARRANGED 

FOR    THE    USE    OF  THOSE  WHO  ARE  IN    SORROW,  TROUBLE, 

NEED,    SICKNESS,    OR    ANV    OTHER    ADVERSITY. 

BY  THE  REV.  THOMAS  HARTWELL  HORNE,  B.  D. 

OF  SAINT  John's  college,  Cambridge  ; 

Author  of  the  'Introduction  to  the  Critical  Study  and 

Knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures.' 

WITH    AN    INTRODUCTION, 

AND     AN 

APPENDIX    OF    DEVOTIONAL    POETRY, 

BY 

THE  RIGHT  REV.  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  DOANE, 

BISHOP    OF    NEW     JERSEY. 


BOSTON: 
ALLEN   AND   TICKNOR. 

1833. 


to  be  above  the  stroke  of  passions,  is 
a  condition  equal  to  angels  j  to  be  in 
a  state  of  sorrow,  without  the  sense 
of  sorrow,  is  a  disposition  beneath 
beasts  :  but  duly  to  regulate  our  sor- 
rows, and  bound  our  passions  under 
the  rod,  is  the  wisdom,  duty,  and  ex- 
cellency of  a  christian. 

Flavel. 


Entered  according  to  an  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year 
1833,  by  Allen  and  Ticknor  in  the  Clerk's  office  of 
the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


Printed  by  Kane  &  Co. 
127  WashiiiKton  Siicet. 


PREFACE 

TO  THE   LONDON  EDITION. 

Sorrow  is  excluded  from  no  circle  ;  it  is  abun- 
dantly distributed,  and  it  is  shared  in  some  meas- 
ure by  all.  So  long  as  there  is  calamity  in  the 
world,  any  attempt  to  alleviate  it  cannot  be  unsea- 
sonable ;  and  in  the  hope,  that  he  might  present 
to  some  at  least  of  those,  who  are  "  in  sorrow, 
trouble,  need,  sickness,  or  any  other  adversity," 
suitable  aids  for  meditation  and  prayer,  together 
with  topics  of  scriptural  consolation,  the  editor  was 
induced  to  undertake  the  present  little  manual.  It 
consists  of  two  pans  :  viz.: — 

I.  A  Practical  Essay  on  Affliction,  includ- 
ing the  Doctrine  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  concern- 
ing the  origin  and  design  of  afflictions  ;  observa- 
tions* on  the  best  preparation  for  afflictions  and 
for  the  improvement  of  them,  together  with  our 
duty  on  being  delivered  therefrom  :  and  on  the 
privilege  and  duty  of  prayer,  especially  in  seasons 
of  affliction. 

II.  Consolation  for  the  Afflicted:  or,  a 
Series  of  Meditations  and  Prayers.  Of  these,  a 
considerable  portion  is  selected  and  arranged 
from  the  Scriptures,  especially  from  the  Book    of 


*  These  o' servatioas  are  abridged  from  the   Contem- 
plations of  Sir  Matthew  Hale.     See  Note  in  p  20. 


IV  PREFACE. 

Psalms  ;  which,  while  they  carry  with  them  the 
greatest  weight  and  authority  to  every  truly 
Christian  mind,  are  peculiarly  fitted  to  express 
and  to  cherish  the  devout  affections  of  the  heart. 
The  remaining  prayers  and  meditations  are  se- 
lected, principally,  from  the  Liturgy  of  the  United 
Church  of  England  and  Ireland,  (pronounced  by 
a  late  learned  and  candid  dissenting  minister  to 
be  "  the  first  of  uninspired  compositions,'')  and 
from  the  devotional  writings  of  our  earlier  English 
divines;  whose  names  are  a  sufficient  guarantee 
for  the  correctness  of  the  sentiments  therein  ex- 
pressed. 

To  those  who  "  are  in  heaviness  through  mani- 
fold temptations,"  and  who  "know — every  man 
— the  plague  of  his  own  heart:" — to  those  who 
are  "  weary  and  heavy  laden,"  and  whose  "  hearts 
are  failing  them  for  fear;  " — to  all  "  who  do  truly 
and  earnestly  repent,  and  are  heartily  sorry  for 
their  sins,  and  who  do  believe  the  gospel;  " — to 
all,  in  fine,  who  "  are  any  ways  afflicted  in  mind, 
body,  or  estate,"  is  this  little  Manual  of  Counsels, 
Meditations,  Prayers  and  Promises,  respectfully 
offered,  in  the  hope  that,  with  the  divine 
BLESSING,  it  may  prove  an  aid  to  devotion,  and 
may  lead  them  to  the  only  source  of  consolation 
in  trouble,  communion  with  the  Father  of  Mercies 
and  God  of  all  Comfort,  and  with  His  Son  Jesus 
Christ. 


INTRODUCTION 


;Y      THE      AMERICAN      EDITO 


It  was  the  saying  of  an  old  Divine,  that  though 
God  "  had  one  Son  without  sin,  he  never  had 
one  without  sorrow,  trial,  and  temptation."  So 
that,  as  the  blessed  Captain  of  our  salvation  was 
himself"  made  perfect  through  suffering,"  all  who 
would  follow  him,  and  be  indeed  the  children  of 
God,  must  follow  him  through  the  valley  of  the 
Cross.  It  is  by  no  means,  however,  to  be  inferred 
that  affliction  is,  of  necessity,  the  means  of  spir- 
itual advantage.  Neither  prosperity  nor  adversity 
are,  in  themselves,  blessings,  but  only  as  they  are 
duly  improved.  There  may  be  a  sorrow  which 
is  not  a  "  godly  sorrow,"  and  does  not  work  "re- 
pentance unto  life."  It  is  to  him  who  "  endureih 
temptation,"  bears  up  under,  and  overcomes  it, 
and  not  who  merely  suffers  it,  that  St.  James 
promises  a  "  crown  of  life."  And  the  apostle 
Paul,  in  that  beautiful  and  most  consoling  passage, 
where  he  reminds  us  that  "  no  chastening  for  the 
present  seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous," 
takes  care  to  remind  us  that  to  them  only 
who  are  "  exercised," — trained  and  disciplined — 
"  thereby,"  does  it  "  afterward  "  yield  "  the  peace- 
alle  fruit  of  righteousness."  Afflictions,  so  re- 
garded, instead  of  being  evils,  as  is  the  common 
estimate,  are,  in  the  truest  sense,  blessings.  How 
can  it  be  otherwise  .''  Cannot  God  as  easily  send 
joy  as  sorrow,  light  as  darkness,  life  as  death.'' 
And  since  his  "  mercy  is  over  all  his  works,"  and, 
"  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children  "  even  so  he  hath 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

compassion  upon  us,  how  else  can  suffering  and 
sorrow,  except  so  far  as  they  are  the  natural  con- 
sequence of  sin,  be  reasonably  accounted  for?  It 
is  the  Chrutian philosophy  alone  which  thus  truly 
teaches  the  nature  and  the  uses  of  afflictions. 
They  are  the  "  precious  balms"  which  are  to  heal 
and  soothe  our  souls.  They  are  the  chastisements 
of  a  father,  correcting  us  in  love.  They  are  the 
trials  of  our  faith,  making  it  "  more  precious  than 
gold,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire."  "  For  our 
light  affliction;"  saith  the  apostle, — "sorrowful, 
yet  always  rejoicing," — "  our  light  affliction, 
which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory ; 
"  while  we  look  " — provided  we  look,  so  long  as 
we  look — "  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but 
at  the  things  which  are  not  seen:  for  the  things 
which  are  seen  are  temporal,  but  the  things  which 
are  not  seen  are  eternal." 

One  would  think  that  truths  so  reasonable  and 
comfortable,  and,  when  declared  to  us,  so  obvi- 
ously just  and  profitable,  would  take  deep  root  in 
the  hearts  of  men.  And  since  all  are  "  born  to 
troui)le,  as  the  sparks  fly  upward,"  that  all  would 
lay  them  up  in  store  against  the  day  of  adversity,  as 
lessons  personally  "  profitable"  to  themselves  "  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness."  But  it  is  proverbially  not  so. 
Few  then  are  taught  the  proper  use  of  adversity, 
until,  like  an  armed  man,  it  comes  upon  them: 
and.  too  often,  takes  them  unawares.  David  con- 
fessed that  it  was  good  for  him  that  he  had  been 
afflicted;  and  that  before  he  was  afflicted  he  went 
wrong.  Manasseh,  "  when  he  was  in  affliction, 
besought  the  Lord  his  God,"  and  "he  was  entreat- 
ed of  him,  and  heard  his  supplications;"  and 
it  was  the  dechiration  of  Luther,  the  illustrious 
reformer,  "T  never  knew  the  meaning  of  God's 
word,  till  I  was  afllicied." 


INTRODUCTION.  Vll 

It  is  in  this  view  of  tiie  nature,  purpose,  and 
value  of  atiiictions,  and  in  tlie  consideration  of  our 
continual  disposition  to  misunderstand  and  misuse 
thieni,  that  manuals  for  the  atflicted,  like  that  be- 
fore us,  have  been  so  frequently  compiled,  and 
deserve,  when  faithfully  and  judiciously  executed, 
to  be  so  highly  esteemed.  "  Among  the  variety  of 
subjects,"  says  Richard  Cecil,  "  on  which  a  minister 
is  called  to  treat,  many  may  suit  particular  cases  ; 
but  when  he  speaks  of  affliction,  he  speaks  of  that 
which  is  sure  to  interest  every  one,  at  one  period 
or  other  of  their  lives."  The  remark  is  universal 
in  its  application.  The  note  of  sorrow  is  the  key- 
note of  humanity.  The  hand  that  strikes  it, 
strikes  a  chord  in  every  breast,  of  woman  born. 
A  "  manual  for  the  afflicted"  is  a  maimalfor  man- 
kind. He  that  already  is  •'  in  sorrow,  trouble, 
need,  sickness,  or  any  other  adversity,"  welcomes 
it,  because  he  is  in  want  of  present  consolation; 
he  that  is  still  "  at  ease  in  his  possessions,"  because 
*'  he  knows  that  his  day  is  coming." 

It  is  the  peculiar  recommendation  of  this  little 
volume  that  it  is  eminently  scriptural.  A  great 
portion  of  it  is  in  the  very  words  of  Scripture. 
A  considerable  part  of  the  rest  is  from  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  of  which  it  is  scarcely  too 
much  to  say,  that  Protestant  Christendom  is 
agreed  in  regarding  it,  as  only  not  inspired.  For 
what  remains,  such  names  as  Taylor,  and  Ken,  and 
Kettle  well,  and  Nelson,  are  unquestionable  author- 
ity to  believers,  that  it  is  conceived  and  born  of 
Scripture.  Sufficiently  various  for  nearly  all  occa- 
sions of  adversity,  and  yet  not  exceeding  reasona- 
ble limits  as  regards  expense  or  inconvenience,  it 
is  admirably  fitted  for  general  circulation.  The 
present  writer,  with  no  other  interest  in  the  pub- 
lication than  he  holds  in  common  with  all  its 
readers,  does  not  hesitate  to  say,  that,  for  its  size 
and  cost,  he  knows  of  no  similar  work  comparable 


INTRODUCTION. 


with  it.  To  all  who  have,  or  can  have  kindred 
with  its  sul)jects, — and  who  is  he  that  this  descrip- 
tion does  not  include? — he  most  affectionately 
commends  this  little  book,  not  without  prayer,  that 
the  Holy  Spirit  of  consolation  may  acconipany  it 
in  all,  with  his  sustaining,  illuminating  and  sancti- 
fying graces  ! 

It  only  remains  that  the  writer  speak,  in  very 
few  words,  of  his  connection  with  this  reprint.  It 
has  been  his  privilege,  for  more  than  ten  years,  to 
enjoy  the  correspondence,  and  to  experience, 
though  the  Atlantic  has  always  rolled  between 
them,  the  generous  friendship  of  its  learned  and 
excellent  author.  In  several  of  his  letters,  during 
the  last  summer  and  autumn,  he  spoke  of  his  in- 
tention to  make  such  a  compilation,  and  gradually 
developed  his  plan.  "  I  wish  to  bring  it  out,"  (he 
writes  in  July,  during  the  prevalence  of  the 
Cholera,)  "  in  a  cheap  and  portable  form,  for  the 
pocket,  or  the  ladies'  '  work  box.'  I  purposely 
select  from  the  Scriptures,  in  the  hope  that  my 
manual  may  be  more  extensively  useful,  while 
men's  hearts  are  failing  them  for  fear  .'*''  In  a  later 
letter  he  says,  "  1  hope  to  have  it  ready  for  publi- 
cation on  the  20th  of  October,  my  birth-day  :  and 
shall  beg  your  acceptance  of  a  copy  as  soon  as 
published,  the  first  which  will  reach  America." 
"  The  chief  part  of  the  meditations  and  prayers," 
he  writes  September  29th,  "  are  selected  and 
arranged  from  the  Holy  Scriptures:  to  these  I 
propose  to  add  a  ^qw  from  our  liturgy,  and  from 
the  manuals  of  prayer  published  (for  the  jnost 
part)  by  our  elder  divines.  There  is  an  unction 
about  them  which  is  seldom  seen  in  modern  com- 
posers of  devotions.  If  I  can  make  room,  I  think 
of  putting  into  an  appendix  a  selection  of  devo- 
tional hymns,  and  poetical  imitations  of  the  Psalms, 
suited  to  occasions  of  affliction.^' — When  to  a  work 
so  high  in  intrinsic  merit,  the  charm  was  added 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

which  the  interest  of  friendship  lends,  it  will  read- 
ily be  believed  that  the  present  writer  was  not  slow 
in  accetiing  to  the  request  of  the  enterprising  and 
tasteful  publishers  who  have  undertaken  the  re- 
print, to  introduce  it  by  a  short  preface,  to  Ameri- 
can readers.  It  seemed  to  him  that  its  value 
would  be  increased  by  adding,  in  an  appendix,  as 
the  author  originally  designed,  a  few  pieces  of 
devotional  poetry.  The  introduction,  and  the 
mottoes  connected  with  it, and  the  appendix  except- 
ed, no  other  addition  or  alteration  has  been  made. 
Of  the  present  republication,  it  may  be  proper  to 
add,  the  respected  author  has  no  knowledge. 

In  conclusion,  if  for  labor  so  light,  and  so  con- 
genial with  his  feelings,  the  undersigned  could 
claim  reward,  it  has  been  richly  found  in  the  sat- 
isfaction of  introducing  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
sons  and  daughters  of  affliction,  among  his  own 
countrymen,  a  work  so  eminently  fitted,  with  the 
aid  of  the  blessed  Spirit,  to  comfort  them  in  all 
their  tribulation  ;  and  in  making  more  extensively 
known  among  them  an  author,  who,  at  the  hands 
of  all  who  esteem  private  virtue,  unconquerable 
industry,  extensive  learning,  and  exalted  piety, 
deserves  so  well.  And  now,  with  pious  Mr.  Fiavel, 
he  would  say  to  every  mourning  reader  of  this 
little  book,  "  Go  thy  way.  Christian,  to  thy  God. 
Get  thee  to  thy  knees  in  the  cloudy  and  dark  day. 
Retire  from  all  creatures,  that  thou  mayest  have 
thy  full  liberty  with  God,  and  there  pour  out  thy 
heart  before  him,  in  free,  full,  and  broken-hearted 
confessions  of  sins."  "Beg  him,  in  this  distress, 
to  put  under  thee  the  everlasting  arms.  Entreat 
one  smile,  one  gracious  look,  to  enlighten  thy 
darkness,  and  cheer  thy  drooping  spirit.  Say  with 
the  prophet  Jeremiah,  '  Be  not  thou  a  terror  to 
me;  thou  art  ray  hope  in  the  day  of  evil.'  And 
try  what  relief  such  a  course  will  afford  thee. 
Surely,  if  thy  heart  be  sincere  in  this  course,  thou 

t 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

shaltbe  able  to  say  with  the  Psalmist,  *  In  the  mul- 
titude of  the  sorrows  that  I  had  in  my  heart,  thy 
comforts  have  refreshed  my  soul.'  May  the  good 
Lord  mercifully  grant  it,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake  ! 

G.  W.  D. 
Boston,  6  March,  1833. 


^ 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


PART   I. 


ON      AFFLICTIONS 


CHAPTER  I. 


THE    DOCTRINE    OF    SCRIPTURE     CONCERNING    THE    ORIGIN 
AND  DESIGN    OF    AFFLICTIONS. 

Page 

Section  I.     On  the  Source  of  Afflictions      -         1 

1.  Afflictions  are  appointed  by  God  himself      -  ibid. 

2.  Afflictions  are  no  Proof  of  Guilt  though  they 

are  sometimes  the  Consequence  of  Sin  and 

the  Punishment  of  Guilt   -  -  -         2 

3.  Afflictions  are  sometimes  the  means  of  bring- 

ing back  Transgressors  to  their  Duty       -         3 

Section  II.     On  the  Design  of  God,  in  the 

Permission  of  Afflictions  -  -        4 

1.  Afflictions  are  not  Marks  of  the  Anger  of 

God,  but  of  his  paternal  Love         -  -ibid. 

2.  Afflictions  are  designed  to  turn  us  aside  from 

Iniquity      -  -  -  -  -         5 

3.  And  for  the  Trial  of  our  Faith  and  Obedience  Hid. 

4.  Afflictions  are  designed  to  promote  Humility         7 

5.  And  to  make  us  Partakers  of  God's  Holiness  8 

6.  Afflictions  are  designed  that  the  Life  of  Jesus 

should   be    manifested   in  his  Body  (the 
Church) 9 

Section  III.    On  the  Duties  of  the  Afflicted       11 

1.  Attention,  Docility,  and  Self-Examination    -  ibid. 

2.  Humility  -  -  -  -  -      12 

3.  Confession  of  Sins      -  -  -  -  ibid. 


VI  CONTENTS. 

4.  Repentance.— Conversion      -            -            -  13 
Example  of  Repentance         -             -             -  14 

5.  Prayer             -             -             -             -             -  15 
Examples  of  Prayer  under  Affliction              -  ibid. 

6.  Patience          -             -             -             -             -  16 

7.  Resignation  to  the  Will  of  God         -             -  17 
Examples  of  Resignation  and  of  entire  Sub- 
mission to  the  Will  of  Grod            -            -  18 

8.  Hope 19 

9.  Firm  Reliance  on  the  Divine  Promises          -  20 
Examples  of  Firm  Reliance  upon   God,  in 

Afflictions               -            -            -            -  21 

10.  Holiness,  and  fervent  Desires  for  Holiness  -  24 

11.  Joy      -.--.-  ibid. 
Examples  of  Persons   who  rejoiced  amidst 

Tribulations            -             -             -             -  25 

12.  Mutual  Sympathy  and  Consolation  -             -  ibid. 

CHAPTER  II. 

ON  THE  BEST  PREPARATION  FOR  AFFLICTIONS,  AND 
OUR  IMPROVEMENT  OF  THEM;  AND  OUR  DUTY 
ON  BEING  DELIVERED  FROM  THEM. 


Section  I.     On  the  best  Preparation  for  Af- 
flictions .  .  .  - 


26 


Section  H.     Counsels  for  our  Deportment  un- 
der Afflictions  -  -  -       35 

Section  HI.     On  the  Duty  of  those  who  have 

BEEN  DELIVERED  FROM  AFFLICTIONS     -    46 


CHAPTER  HI. 

ON    THE    PRIVILEGE    AND    DUTY    OF     PR4YKR,  ESPE- 
CIALLY   IN  SEASONS    OF    AFFLICTION. 

Section  I.     On   the  Nature    and    Importance 
OF  Prayer. — Motives  and  Encourage- 
ments TO  Prayer  -  -  -      55 
1.  Nature  of  Prayer        ...  -  ibid. 


XIV  CONTENTS. 


PART    II. 
CONgOLATION    FOR    THE    AFFLICTED. 

CHAPTER    I. 

DEVOTIONS    FOR    THOSE    WHO    ARE    ^  AFFLICTED    IN 
MIND.' 

Section  I.     Devotions    for  Persons   '  that  do 
truly  and  earnestly  repent  of  their 

Sins.' 

I.  Prayers  that  God  would  vouchsafe  to  assist 
their  Devotions,  and  to  hear  and  accept  their 
Supplications  -  -  -  -       87 

1.  From  the  Holy  Scriptures      -  -  -  ibid. 

2.  From  the  Book  of  (Join mon  Prayer  -  -       88 

II.  Confessions  {in  the  Language  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures)  of  a  person  deeply  convinced  of 
Sin 89 

HI.  Prayers,  suited  to  those  who  feci  the  '  iutoler- 
able  Burthen  of  their  Sins. 

1.  From  the  Holy  Scriptures      -  -  -      90 

2.  From  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  -  -       92 

3.  The  Prayer  of  one  convinced  of  Sin.    [Soro- 

cold.] 94 

4.  A  Prayer  for  Contrition.     [Whole  Duty  of 

Man.]         -  -  -  -  -       9G 

5.  Promises  (in  the  Language  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 

tures) of  Pardon  to  the  Penitent   -  -   Hid. 

6.  A  Prayer  for  Pardon  of  Sins.     [Kettlewell.]     100 

7.  A   Prayer  that  we  may  not  relapse  into  Sin. 

[Bishop  Duppa.]    -  -  -  -     101 

8.  Observations  on  the  Nature  of  a  Relapse  into 

Sin  -  -  -  -  -      102—108 

9.  A  Prayer  after  a  Relapse  into  Sin,  from  the 

Book  of  Common  Prayer  -  -     108 

10.  Another    Prayer    on    the    same    Occasion. 

[Spinckes.]  -  -  -  -     109 


CONTENTS.  XIU 

The  Object  of  Prayer            -            -            -  56 
II.  The  Importance  of  Prayer    -            -             -  ibid. 

1.  It  is  indispensable  to  our  Happiness,  as  is  at- 

tested         -            -             -            -            -  57 

[i.]  By  the  Nature  of  Things             -             -  ibid. 

[ii.]  By  Experience  -  -  -  58 
[iii.]  By  the  Testimonies  of   the   Word  of 

God 59 

2.  Every  thing  is  attainable  by  Prayer  -  -  C4 
[i.]  The  Humble  J*enitent  becomes  rich  by 

Prayer  -  -  -  -  -  G5 
(1 .)  Instances  of  Answers  to  Prayer  from  the 

Old  Testament       ...             -  ibid. 

(2.)  From  the  New  Testament  -  -  66 
[ii.]  The  feeble  Believer  becomes  strong  by 

Prayer                      -             -             -             -  69 

(1.)  Instances  from  the  Scriptures     -             -  ibid. 

(2.)  And  from  the  Experience  of  Individuals  70 
WJiy     God   does   not   always   answer   our 

Prayers 72 

Section  II.     On  the  Dispositions  requisite  to 

ACCEPTABLE  PrAYER            -                  -                  -  73 

I.  The  proper  subjects  of  Prayer            -            -  74 

II.  In  what  MANNER  and  with  what  dispositions 

we  should  offer  our  Petitions         -             -  75 

1.  With  a  deep  Sense  of  the  Presence  of  God  -  76 

2.  With  Sincerity  of  Intention                -             -  ibid. 

3.  With  Humility            -            -            -            -  78 

4.  With  Earnestness,  Fervor  and   Perseverance  79 

5.  In  the  Name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ          -  80 

6.  In  Faith 81 

7.  With  Sentiments  of  Charity  towards  all  Man- 

kind -  -  -  -  -  82 
The   Plappiness  resulting  from  devout  and 

humble  Prayer      -            -            -            -  83 


t 


CONTENTS.  XV 

11.  A  Prayer  for  Peace  of  Mind,  and  Comfort  in 

the  Enjoyment  of  it.     [Kettle well.]  -     111 

Section    II.     Devotions    adapted    to   Circum- 
stances OF  SPIRITUAL  Distress. 
1.   Complaint  and  Prayers  of  a  Soul  that  feels  its 

Weakness   -  ...  -     112 

1.  Complaint  (in  the  Language  of  Scripture)   of 

a  Soul  that  feels  its  Weakness       -  -  ihid. 

2.  A  Prayer  (in  the  Language  of  Scripture)  for 

one  who  is  conscious  of  his  Weakness       -     113 

3.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion,  from 

the  Liturgy  -  -  -  -     114 

4.  Promises  of  Strength  and  Support   -  -    ihid. 

II.   Complaint  and  Praxjers  of  an  afflicted  Soul     -     116 

1.  Complaint  (in  the  I  language  of  Scripture)  of 

a  deeply  afflicted  Soul         ...  ihid. 

2.  Pravers  (in  ti  e  Language  of  Scripture)  for  a 

Person  under  spiritual  Distress  118 — 120 

3.  Other  Prayers  for  Persons  binder  spiritual  Dis- 

tress            -              .             -  .             .  ihid. 

(1.)  From  the  Liturgy      -             -  .             .  Hid. 

(2.)  Another    Prayer   on    the    same  Occasion. 

[IJisliop  Duppa.]    -             -  -             -  121 

(3.)  Another  Prayer.     [Merrick.]  -             -  124 

(4.)  Another  Prayer.     [Nelson.]  -             -  125 

4.  Promises  addressed  to  a  troubled  and  afflicted 

Soul  -  -  -  -  -     126 

Selection  I.         -  -  -         126—130 

II.         -  -  -         130—132 

Skction  III.     Prayers  under  Sorrow  and  Djes- 
pondency. 

I.  Observations  on  Seasons  of  Desertion  or  sup- 
posed Absence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  [Dr. 
Knox.]       ...  -        132—135 

II.  Prayers  under  Sorrow  and  Despondency       ihid. 

1.  A  Prayer,  in  the  Language  of  Scripture  ihid. 

2.  A  Meditation, in  the  Language  of  Scripture  -     136 

3.  A    Prayer    in    Sorrow    and    Despondency. 

[Bishop  Taylor       -  -  -  -     137 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

4.  A  Prayer  against  Despair.  [The  Poor  Man's 

Rest.] 138 

5.  Promises  addressed  to  those  who  are  in  Sor- 

row and  Despondency       -  -  -     139 

Section   IV.     Devotions    for  those    who    are 

PERPLEXED     WITH    DoUBTS   AND  TEMPTA- 
TIONS. 

1.  A  general  Prayer  for  one   who   is  perplexed 

in  Mind.     [Kettlewell.]     -  -  -     141 

2.  A  Prayer  for   one  who   is   full   of    Doubts. 

[Bishop  Patrick]  -  -  -  -     142 

3.  A  Prayer  for  one  who  is  disturbed  with  wick- 

ed and  blasphemous  Thoughts.  [Lewis.]       145 

4.  A  Prayer  for  a  Person,  who  is  under  Doubts 

concerning  the  Lawfulness  of  any  Action. 
[From  the  New  Manual  of  Devotion.]      -     14G 

in.  Prayers  in  Seasons  of  Temptation.     -  -     143 

1.  From  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer   -  -  ibid. 

2.  A  Prayer    against    Temptations.      [Bishop 

Taylor.] 149 

3.  A    Prayer   against   the  Temptation  of   the 

World,  the  Flesh,  and  the  Devil.  [Soro- 
cold.]  -  -  -  -  -     150 

CHAPTER  II. 

DEVOTIONS    FOR    THOSE    WHO    ARE    ^  AFFLICTED    IN 
BODY.' 

Section  I.     Prayers  adapted  to  a  season  of  great 
Mortality. 

1.  A  Penitential  Confession  and  Supplication, 

during  the    Prevalence  of  a   Pestilential 
Epidemic.  [In  the  Time  of  James  I.]        -     152 

2.  A  Psalm  from  the  Sciiptures,  for  a  season  of 

Pestilence.  [Form  of  Prayer  for  the  Fast- 
day,  March  21,  1832.]        -  -  -     157 

3.  Prayers  adapted  to  a  Season  of  Pestilence. 

[The  same  Form  of  Prayer.]          -             -  159 

4.  Prayers  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  Death  -  101 
(1.)  Chiefly  from  the  Holy  Scriptures  -  ihid. 
(2.)  From  the  Offices  of  the  Church              -  162 


CONTENTS.  XVU 

(3.)  A  Prayer  for  a  blessed  Departure,  in 
Time  of  Health  or  in  Sickness.  [Bishop 
Taylor.] 1C3 

(4.)  A  Praver,  that  we  may  be  prepared  for 
Death.   [Burder.]  -  -  -  -     1G4 

Section  II.  Selections  from  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, SUITABLE    to   A    SeASON   OF    SlCK- 

NEss.    [Hele.] 
Selection  1.     On  the  Mortality  of  Man    -  -     1G5 

H.     On  the  Certainty  of  a  future  Judg- 
ment    -----     1G7 
in.     On    the    Shortness   and   vanity  of 

Life       -  -  -  -  -     1G9 

IV.     Supplicatory  for  Pardon  of  Sin       -     170 
V.     On  the  Uncertainty  of  the  Time  of 

our  Death  -  -  -  -     171 

VI.     On   the    Universality  of    the    last 

Judgment  -  -  -  -     172 

VII.     On  the  Certainty  of  Death  and  of  a 

General  Resurrection  to   Eternal  Life     174 
VIII.     Death  the  Lot  of  all ;  the  Felicity 

of  the  Righteous  .  -  -     176 

IX,    References    to    select   Chapters   of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  may  be  profit- 
ably read  during  a  long  Illness  -     179 

Section  III.  Psalms  suitable  for  Meditation 
DURING  Sickness,  with  Collects 
founded  on  them.     [Bishop  Taylor.] 

1.  Psalm  vi.     For  the  Remission  of  Sins  -     180 

2.  Psalm  XXV.     For  Deliverance  from  Sin         -   ibid. 
3-     Psalm   xxxii.     Confession   of   Sins,   and   a 

Prayer  for  Pardon  -  -  -     181 

4.  Psalm  xxxviii.     A  Prayer  for  Remission  of 

Sins 182 

5.  Psalm  xxxix.     Meditation  on  the  Shortness 

of  Life,  and  a  Prayer  preparatory  to  Death     183 

6.  Psalm  11.     A   Prayer  for  the  Pardon  of  Sins 

and  the  Restitution  of  God's  Favor  -   ibid. 

7.  Psalm  Ixxxviii.     A  Prayer  in  Time  of  Sick- 

ness and  in  Danger  of  Death        -  -     184 


XVlll  CONTENTS. 

8.  Psalm  xc.     A   Meditation   on  Deatli  and   a 

Prayer  preparatory  to  it      -  -  -     185 

9.  Psalm  cxxx.     A  penitential  Psalm  or  Prayer 

for  Pardon,  and  for  Redemption  from  Sin     186 
10.     Psalm  cxliii.     A   Prayer  for  Paidon  of  Sin 

and  Direction  in  the  Way  of  Righteousness     187 

Section  IV.     Prayers  which   may  be   offered 

BY  OTHERS  IN    BEHALF  OF  THE  SiCK,  -       188 

1.  A   Prayer  for  Comfort  to  the  Sick.     [Soro- 

cold.]  .....   Hid. 

2.  A  Prayer,  that  the  Sickness  may  be  made  a 

Blessing.   [Bishop  Taylor.]  -  -     180 

3.  A   Prayer  for  a  Person  under  deep  Melan- 

choly. [Jenks.]      -  -  -  -     190 

4.  A  Prayer  for  a  sick  Child.  [Visitation  of  the 

Sick.] 191 

5.  A  Prayer  for  a  sick  Child  in  imminent  Dan- 

ger. [Dr.  Assheton.]  ...     192 

Section  V.     Devotions   for  the   Use   of    sick 

Persons  themselves,  -  -     193 

1.  A  Prayer  at  the  Commencement  of  Sick- 

ness.  [Whole  Duty  of  Man.]         -  -  Hid. 

2.  Another   on   the    same    Occasion.     [Bishop 

Ken.]  -  -  -  -  -     194 

3.  Another  on  the  same  Occasion.  [New  Year's 

Gift.]  -  -  -  -  -     19G 

4.  A  Prayer  for  a  Blessing  on  the  Use  of  Medi- 

cine. [Dr.  Assheton.]         -  -  -     198 

5.  Ejaculations    from    the    Scriptures,   and    a 

Prayer  for  Patience  in  a  lingering  Illness. 
[Dr.  Coney.]  .  _  .  -   ibid. 

6.  A  Prayer  for  Ease,  when  the   Sickness  be- 

comes very  painful.   [Kettlewell.]  -     200 

7.  On  the  Abatement  of  Pain.  [Kettlewell.]     -     201 

8.  On  Want  of  Sleep.   [Anonymous.]     -  -ibid. 

9.  An  Act  of  Resignation.   [Bishop  Taylor.]     -     202 

10.  A  Prayer  for  Thankfulness  under  Sickness 

or  other  Affliction  -  -  -     203 

11.  A    Prayer   to   be    used  when  there   is  any 

Abatement  of  the  Disorder  or  prospect  of 
Recovery.     [New  Manual.]  -  -    204 


CONTENTS.  XIX 

12.     A  Prayer  for  a  sick  Person  who  is  tempted 

to  despair.   [Bishop  Ken.]  -  -     205 

Section   VI.     Devotions   in   the    Prospect   of 

Dissoli;tion.  .  .  -  -     207 

1.  A  Psahn.  collected  from  the  Holy  Scriptures, 

for  a  Person  near  Death    -  -  -  il>id. 

2.  A  Prayer,  in  the  Language  of  Scripture,  in 

the  Prospect  of  Death        -  -  -     210 

3.  A  Prayer  and  Confession  for  the  Sick,  who 

are  unprepared  to  die.  [Baxter]  -  -     211 

4.  A  Prayer  against  th»^  Fear  of  Death.  [Kettle- 

well.]  214 

5.  A  Prayer  for  a  blessed  Death.   [Hele.]  -     216 

6.  A  Prayer,  that  we  may  be   prepared  for  our 

last  End.  [Bishop  Duppa.]  -  -     217 

7.  A  Prayer  for  a  joyful  Resurrection  to  eter- 

nal Life.  [Hele.]    -  -  -  -     218 

8.  A  Prayer  when  a  sick  Person  is  joyful  and 

glad  to  die.   [Primer  of  K  ing  Edward  VI.]    ibid. 

9.  A  Prayer  for  a  Person  in  imminent  Danger 

of  Death.   [Bishop  Taylor.]  -  -     219 

10.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion,    [So- 

rocold.] 220 

11.  A  Prayer  which  may  be  offered  for  a  Person 

in  the  Agonies  of  Death    -  -  -     221 

12.  Anolher  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion  -     222 

13.  A  short  Form  of  recommending  the  Soul  un- 

to God.   [Bishop  Andrews.]  -  -    Hid. 

14.  Another    on  the   same  Occasion.     [Bishop 

Cosin.] 223 

15.  A  Prayer  for  a    sick   Person  at  the  Point  of 

Departure.   [Visitation Office.]      -  -     224 

16.  Devotions  which  may  be  used  by  a  Minister 

or  Friend  with  the  bereaved  Relatives 
and  Friends  of  the  Deceased.  [Bishop 
Hobart.] 225 

CHAPTER     III. 

DEVOTIONS    FOR    THOSE    WHO    ARE    '  AFFLICTED    IN 
ESTATE.' 

1.  Prayers,  in  the  Language  of  Scripture,  for  a 
Person  who  is  forsaken  by  his  Friends,  or 
exposed  to  Calumny  -  -  -     228 


XX  CONTENTS. 

2.  A  Prayer  for  Submission  to  the  Will  of  God, 

under  Loss  of  Pro]>erty  or  Friends.  [Bish- 
op Patrick.]  -  -  -  -     231 

3.  A  Prayer  for  a  Family  under  any  grievous 

worldly  Loss.  [Dr.   Belfrage.]       -  -     234 

4.  A  Prayer  to  be  used  by  a   Widow.  [Bishop 

Patrick] 236 

5.  A  Prayer  for  an  Orphan.     [Bishop  Patrick.]     238 

6.  A  Prayer  for  an  aged  Person.  [Dr.  Dodd.]       ibid. 

7.  A    Prayer    under   any    Injuries,  Abuses,  or 

Provocations.     [Dr.  Dodd.]  -  -    239 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THANKSGIVINGS    FOR    DELIVERANCE    FROM  AFFLIC- 
TION. 

I.  A   Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  any  great 

Deliverance.  [Bishop  Taylor.]      -  -     240 

IL     A  Hymn   of  Thanksgiving  for  Deliver- 
ance from  Trouble  of  Mind  -  -     241 
in.     A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  Deliver- 
ance from  Trouble  of  iMind.  [Kettlewell.]     242 
IV.     Thanksgivings  for  Recovery  from  Sick- 
ness           .....     244 

1.  A   Hymn   of  Thanksgiving,  collected  from 

the  Holy  Scriptures  ...  md^ 

2.  A  short  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  Recov- 

ery. [Whole  Duty  of  Man.]  -  -     247 

3.  Another    shorter    Form    of   Thanksgiving. 

[Bishop  Ken.]        -  -  -  -     248 

4.  A  larger  Form  of  Thanksgiving  for  Recov- 

ery. [Bishop   Gibson.]       ...  ibid. 

5.  A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  a  Patient  in  an 

Hospital  or  Infirmary  on  his    Recovery. 
[St.  James  Stonhouse,  Bart  ]         -  -     251 

(5.  A  Prayer  on  Deliverance  from  a  Pestilen- 
tial Epidemic.  [From  the  Book  of  Com- 
mon Prayer.]  -  -  -  252 


PART   1. 


ON    AFFLICTION. 


i 


THE    PATH    OF    SORROW,    AND    THAT    PATH    ALONE, 
LEADS    TO    THE    LAND    WHERE    SORROW    IS    UNKNOWN: 
NO    TRAVELLER    e'eR    REACh'd    THAT    BLEST    ABODE, 
WHO    FOUND    NOT  THORNS    AND    BRIARS    ON    THE  ROAD. 


(by   SYMtO.V    PATRICK,    D.    D.    BISHOP    OF    ELY.) 


VOUCHSAFE,  O  LORD,  TO  EVERY  ONE  THAT 
SHALL  PERUSE  THIS  BOOK  THE  ILLUMINA- 
TION OF  THY  HOLY  SPIRIT,  TO  UNDERSTAND 
THOSE  THINGS  WHICH  ARE  FAITHFULLY 
DECLARED  THEREIN,  ACCORDING  TO  THY 
MIND  AND  WILL  :  AND  WORK  IN  ALL  OUR 
HEARTS  MOST  DEVOUT  AFFECTIONS  TO  OUR 
BLESSED  SAVIOUR,  FOR  OUR  INCREASE  IN 
FAITH,  AND  LOVE,  AND  HOLY  OBEDIENCE. 
AMEN. 


CHAPTER  I. 


THE    DOCTRINE    OF     SCRIPTUEE      CONCERNING     THE 
ORKJIN    AND    DESIGN    OF    AFFLICTIONS. 


SECTION  I. 

ON    THE     SOURCE    OE    AFFLICTIONS. 

1.  Afflictions  are  appointed  hy  God  himself. 

Although  affliction  cometh  not  forth  of  the 
dust,  neither  doth  trouble  spring  out  of  the 
ground;  yet  man  is  born  unto  trouble  as  the 
sparks  fly  upward.  Man,  that  is  born  of  woman, 
is  of  few  days,  and  full  of  trouble.  His  flesh 
upon  him  shall  have  pain  ;  and  his  soul  within 
him  shall  mourn.  All  his  days  are  sorrow;  and 
his  travail,  grief:  yea,  his  heart  taketh  not  rest 
in  the  night.  The  days  of  our  years  are  three 
score  years  and  ten  ;  and  if,  by  reason  of  strength, 
they  be  four  score  years,  yet  is  their  strength 
labor  and  sorrov/ ;  for  it  is  soon  cut  off,  and  we 
flee  away.  (Job  v.  6,  7. ;  xiv.  1.  22.  Eccles. 
ii.  23.     Psal.  xc.  10.) 

Man  is  chastened  also  with  pain  upon  his  bed; 
and  the  multitude  of  his  bones  with  strong  pain  : 
so  that  his  life  abhorreth  bread,  and  his  soul 
1 


»  THE    DOCTRINE    OP    THE    SCRIPTURES 

dainty  meat.  His  flesh  is  consumed  away  that 
it  cannot  be  seen  ;  and  his  bones,  that  were 
not  seen,  stick  out.  Lo  !  all  these  things  worketh 
God  oftentimes  with  man,  to  bring  back  his  soul 
from  the  pit  to  be  enlightened  with  the  light  of 
the  living.     (Job  xxxiii.  19—2-2.  29,  30.) 

[Let]  no  man  be  moved  by  these  afflictions, 
for  yourselves  know  that  we  are  appointed  there- 
unto. In  the  world  [saith  Christ],  ye  shall  have 
tribulation  :  but,  be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  over- 
come the  world.  Yea,  all  that  will  live  godly  in 
Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution.  (1  Thess. 
iii.  3.     John  xvi.  33.  2  Tim.  iii.  12.) 

2.  Affiictions  are  no  prooj  of  guilt,  tJioitgk 
they  are  sometimes  the  consequence  of  sin,  and  the 
punishment  of  guilt. 

Suppose  ye  that  the  Galilaeans  [whose  blood 
Pilate  had  mingled  with  their  sacrifices]  were 
sinners  above  all  the  Galilseans,  because  they 
suffered  such  things  ?  Or  those  eighteen,  upon 
whom  the  tower  in  Siloam  fell,  and  slew  them  ; 
think  ye  that  they  were  sinners  above  all  men 
that  dwelt  in  Jerusalem  1  I  tell  you,  nay.  But, 
except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish. 
(Luke  xiii.  2.  4.  5.) 

The  Lord  God  said  unto  Adam  :  BECAUSE 
thou  hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife, 
and' hast  eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I  commanded 
thee  saying,  "  Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it :"  cursed 
is  the  ground  for  thy  sake  :  in  sorrow  shalt  thou 
eat  of  it  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  Thorns  also  and 
thistles  shall  it  bring  forth  to  thee ;  and  thou 
shalt  eat  the  herb  of  the  field.  In  the  sweat  of 
thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread  until  thou  return  to 


CONCERNING     AFFLICTIONS.  3 

the  ground,  for  out  of  it  wast  thou  taken  :  for 
dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return. 
(Gen.  iii.  17—19.) 

The  sluggard  will  not  plough  by  reason  of  the 
cold;  THEREFORE  shall  he  beg  in  harvest,  and 
have  nothing.  Who  hath  woe  ?  who  hath  sor- 
row ?  who  hath  contentions  ?  who  hath  wounds 
without  cause  ?  who  hath  redness  of  eyes  ?  They 
that  tarry  long  at  the  wine.  (Prov.  xx.  4. :  xxiii. 
29,  30.) 

The  foolishness  of  man  perverteth  his  way, 
and  his  heart  fretteth  against  the  Lord.  He 
that  soweth  vanity,  shall  reap  vanity.  Where- 
fore doth  a  living  man  complain  ?  a  man  for  the 
punishment  of  his  sins.  Ye  have  ploughed  wick- 
edness ;  ye  have  reaped  iniquity  ;  ye  have  eaten 
the  fruit  of  lies.  (Prov.  xix.  3.  Lam.  iii.  39. 
Hos.  X.  13.) 

3.  Afflictions  are  sometimes  the  means  of  bring- 
ing hack  transgressors  to  their  duty. 

Thou  shalt  consider  in  thine  heart,  that  as  a 
man  chasteneth  his  son,  so  the  Lord  thy  God 
chasteneth  thee.  When  Manasseh  was  in  afflic- 
tion, he  besought  the  Lord  his  God,  and  humbled 
himself  greatly  before  the  God  of  his  fathers. 
Behold,  happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correcteth  : 
therefore  despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of  the 
Almighty.  Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righte- 
ous. If  they  be  bound  in  fetters,  and  beholden  in 
the  cords  of  affliction,  then  he  showeth  them  their 
work  and  their  transgressions  that  they  have  ex- 
ceeded. (Deut.  viii.  5.  2.  Chron.  xxxiii.  12.  Job 
V.  17.  Psal.  xxxiv.  20.  Job  xxxvi.  8,  9.) 

When  He  slew  them,  then  they  sought  Him  ; 


4  THE    UOCTIUNE    OF    THE     SCRIPTURES 

and  they  returned  and  inquired  early  after  God. 
Such  as  sit  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of 
death,  being  fast  bound  in  afliiction  and  iron, 
BECAUSE  they  rebelled  against  the  words  of  God 
and  contemned  the  counsel  of  the  Most  High  ; 
THEREFORE  He  brought  down  their  heart  with 
labor.  They  fell  down,  and  there  was  none  to 
help.  Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their 
trouble,  and  He  saved  them  out  of  their  dis- 
tresses. Lord,  in  trouble  they  have  visited 
Thee ;  they  poured  out  a  prayer,  when  thy 
chastening  was  upon  them,  (Psal.  Ixxviii.  34. 
cvii.  10 — 13.     Isa.  xxvi.   16.) 


SECTION  H. 

ON      THE      DESIGN      OF      GOD      IN      THE    PERMISSION      OF 
AFFLICTIONS. 

1.  Afflictions  are  not  marhs  of  the  anger  of 
God,  hut  oj  his  paternal  love ;  and  are  intended  to 
show  the  evil  of  departiiig  from  God  ;  and  also 
in  order  that  his  children  may  not  he  condemned 
with  the  ivorld. 

God  doth  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve  the 
children  of  men.  Whom  the  Lord  loveth,  he 
correcteth  ;  even  as  a  father  the  son,  in  whom 
he  delighteth.  As  many  as  I  love,  I  rebuke  and 
chasten.  Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so 
the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him.  (Lam. 
iii.  33.  Prov.  iii.  12.  Heb.  xii.  G.  Rev.  iii.  19. 
Psal.  ciii.  13.) 


CONCERNING     AFFLICTIONS.  O 

Thine  own  wickedness  shall  correct  thee,  and 
thy  backslidings  shall  reprove  thee.  Know 
therefore  and  see,  that  it  is  an  evil  thing  and 
bitter,  that  thou  hast  forsaken  the  Lord  thy 
God  ;  and  that  my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  saith  the 
Lord  God  of  Hosts. 

When  we  are  judged,  we  are  chastened  of  the 
Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  condemned  with 
the  world.  The  Lord  hath  chastened  me  sore, 
but  He  hath  not  given  me  over  unto  death.  The 
Lord  hath  taken  you  and  brought  you  forth  out 
of  the  iron  furnace,  even  out  of  Egypt,  to  be 
unto  Him  a  people  of  inheritance,  as  ye  are  this 
day.  (1  Cor.  xi.  32.  Psal.  cxviii.  18.  Deut. 
iv.  20.) 

2.  Afflictions  arc  designed  to  turn  us  aside 
from  iniquitjj. 

If  they  be  holden  in  cords  of  affliction,  .  .  .  . 
He  openethalso  their  ear  to  discipline,  and  com- 
mandeth  that  they  return  from  iniquity.  He 
openeth  the  ears  of  n^.en,  and  sealeth  their  in- 
struction, that  He  may  withdraw  man  from  his 
purpose,  and  hide  pride  from  man.  I  will  instruct 
thee  and  teach  thee  in  the  way  which  thou  shalt 
go.  I  will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye.  Job  xxxvi. 
8.  10.  ;  xxxiii.  16,  17.  Psal.  xxxii.  8  ) 

The  children  of  Israel  cried  imto  the  Lord, 
saying,  We  have  sinned  against  Thee  ;  we  have 
sinned  ;  do  thou  unto  us  whatsoever  seemeth 
good  unto  Thee.     (Judg.  x.  10   15.) 

3.  Afflictions  are  designed  for  the  trial  of  our 
fcdtli  and  obedience. 

Thou  shalt  remember   all  the   way  which   the 

Lord  thy   God    hath   led   thee to   prove 

1* 


6  THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

thee,  to  know  what  was  in  thine  heart,  whether 
thou  wouldest  keep  his  commandments  or  no. 
Who  led  thee  through  that  great  and  terrible 
wilderness,  wherein  were  fiery  serpents,  and 
scorpions,  and  drought,  where  there  was  no 
water,  ....  that  he  might  prove  thee.  (Deut. 
viii.  2.  15,  16.) 

In  the  business  of  the  ambassadors  of  the 
princes  of  Babylon,  who  sent  to  Hezekiah  to 
inquire  of  the  wonders  done  in  the  land  [of 
Judah],  God  left  him,  to  try  him,  that  He 
might  know  all  that  was  in  his  heart.  (2  Chron. 
xxxii.  31.) 

Some  of  them  of  understanding  shall  fall,  to 
TRY  them.  The  fining  pot  is  for  silver,  and  the 
furnace  for  gold  ;  but  the  Lord  trieth  the  hearts. 
Thou,  O  God,  hast  proved  us  ;  thou  hast  tried 
us,  as  silver  is  tried.  (Dan.  xi.  35.  Prov.  xvii. 
3.     Psal.  Ixvi.  10.) 

Blessed  is  the   man  whom  Thou  chastenest, 

0  Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  Thy  law.  Be- 
fore I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray  ;  but  now  have 

1  kept  Thy  word.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have 
been  afflicted,  that  I  might  learn  Thy  statutes. 
I  know,  O  Lord,  that  Thy  judgments  are  right; 
and  that  Thou,  in  very  faithfulness,  hast  afflict- 
ed me.     (Psal.  xciv.  12  ;  cxix.  67.  71.  75.) 

Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter  :  for  by  the 
sadness  of  the  countenance  the  heart  is  made 
better.  When  Thy  judgments  are  in  the  earth, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  world  will  learn  righteous- 
ness. Tribulation  worketh  patience.  [God  chas- 
teneth  us]  that  the  trial  of  our  faith  being  more 
precious  than  gold,  though  it  be   tried  with  fire. 


CONCERNING     AFFLICTIONS.  / 

might  be  found  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory 
at  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ.  (Eccl.  vii.  3. 
Isa.  xxvi.  9.    Rom.  v.  3.     1  Pet.  i.  7.) 

4.  Afflictions  are  designed  to  promote  humility. 

Thou  shalt  remember  all  the  way  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  led  thee  ....  to  humble 
thee.  Beware  that  thou  forget  not  the  Lord 
thy  God,  in  not  keeping  his  commandments,  and 
his  judgments,  and  his  statutes,  which  I  com- 
mand thee  this  day  :  lest,  when  thou  hast  eaten 
and  art  full,  and  hast  built  goodly  houses  and 
dwelt  therein,  and  when  thy  herds  and  thy  flocks 
multiply,  and  thy  silver  and  thy  gold  is  multi- 
plied, and  all  that  thou  hast  is  multiplied  ;  then 
thine  heart  be  lifted  up,  and  thou  forget  th'' 
Lord  thy  God,  ....  who  fed  thee  in  the  wilder- 
ness with  manna,  which  thy  fathers  knew  not,  .  . 
to  HUMBLE  thee,  (i^eut.  viii.  2.  11 — 14.  16.) 

When  Nebuchadnezzar's  heart  was  lifted  up, 
and  his  mind  hardened  in  pride,  he  was  deposed 
from  his  kingly  throne,  and  they  took  his  glory 
from  him.  And  he  was  driven  from  the  sons  of 
men,  and  his  heart  was  made  like  the  beasts,  and 
his  dwelling  was  with  the  wild  asses  :  they  fed 
him  with  grass  like  oxen,  and  his  body  was  wet 
with  the  dew  of  heaven,  till  he  knew  that  the 
Most  High  God  ruled  in  the  kingdom  of  men, 
and  that  he  appointeth  over  it  whomsoever  he 
will.     (Dan.  v.  20,  2L) 

Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  every  moun- 
tain and  hill  shall  be  made  low ;  and  the  crooked 
shall  be  made'  straight,  and  the  rough  places 
plain.     (Tsa.  xl.  4.) 

Lest  Paul  should  be   exalted   above  measure 


8  THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

....  there  was  given  to  him  a  thorn  in  the  flesh, 
the  messenger  of  Satan,  to  buffet  him.  (2  Cor. 
xii.  10.) 

5.  Afflictions  are  further  designed  to  make  us 
partakers  of  God's  Holiness,  and  bring  forth 
more  fruit. 

Furthermore,  we  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh, 
who  chastened  us  after  their  own  pleasure  ;  but 
God  [chasteneth  us]  for  our  profit,  that  we  might 
be  partakers  of  His  holiness.     (Heb.  xii.  9,  10.) 

Behold !  I  have  refined  thee,  but  not  with  sil- 
ver :  I  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction.     (Isa.  xlviii.  10.) 

I  am  the  true  Vine,  and  my  Father  is  the 
husbandman.  Every  branch  in  me  that  beareth 
not  fruit,  he  taketh  away  ;  and  every  branch  that 
beareth  fruit,  he  purgeth   it,  that   it  may   bring 

FORTH  MORE  FRUIT.   (John  XV.  1,  2.) 

The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light, 
that  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect 
day.  Then  shall  we  know,  if  we  follow  on  to 
know  the  Lord.  His  going  forth  is  prepared 
as  the  morning;  and  he  shall  come  unto  us  as 
the  rain,  as  the  latter  and  former  rain  unto  the 
earth.     (Prov.  iv.  18.  Hos.  vi.  3.) 

The  grace  of  God,  that  bringeth  salvation  unto 
all  men,  hath  appeared;  teaching  us,  that,  deny- 
ing ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  live 
soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  this  present 
world;  looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the 
glorious  appearing  of  our  great  God  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Clirist ;  who  gave  himself  for  us,  that  he 
might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purify 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  9 

unto  himself  a  peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
works.     (Tit.  ii.  11—14.) 

6.  Afflictions  are  designed^  that  the  life  of  Jesus 
should  be  manifested  in  his  body  (the  church), 
and  that  every  believing  member  of  it  should  be 
glorified  together  loith  him,  and  finally  may  enjoy 
an  everlasting  rest. 

Though  he  [Christ]  was  crucified  through 
weakness,  yet  he  liveth  by  the  power  of  God  : 
for  we  also  are  weak  in  [marginal  rendering 
with']  him,  but  we  shall  live  with  him  by  the 
power  of  God.     (2  Cor.  xiii.  4.) 

Because  (says  Christ)  I  live,  ve  shall  live  also. 
(John  xiv.  19.) 

It  is  a  faithful  saying  :  for  if  we  be  dead  with 
him,  we  shall  also  live  with  him  ;  if  we  suffer, 
we  shall  also  reign  with  him ;  if  we  deny  him, 
he  will  also  deny  us.     (2  Tim.  ii.  10,  11.) 

If  [we  are]  children,  then  [are  we]  heirs, 
heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ  :  if  so 
be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also 
glorified  together.  For  I  reckon  that  the  suffer- 
ings of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be 
compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed 
in  us.  For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding 
and  eternal  weight  of  glory,  while  we  look  not 
at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the  things 
which  are  not  seen  :  for  the  things  which  are 
seen  are  temporal,  but  the  things  which  are  not 
seen  are  eternal.     (Rom.  viii.  18.  2  Cor.  iv.  17.) 

This  is  thankworthy,  if  a  man  for  conscience 
toward  God  endure  grief,  suffering  wrongfully. 


10  THE    DOCTRINE    OF  THE    SCRIPTURES 

Rejoice,  insomuch  as  ye  are  partakers  of  Christ's 
sufferings  ;  that,  when  his  glory  shall  be  re- 
vealed, yemav  be  glad  also  with  exceeding  joy. 
(1  Pet.  ii.  19.'  iv.  13.) 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation  : 
for,  when  he  is  tried,  he  shall  receive  the  crown 
of  life,  which  the  Lord  hath  promised  to  them 
that  love  him.     (James  i.  22.) 

But,  in  order  that  we  may  attain  this  glorious 
reward,  we  must  remember  what  our  Saviour 
declares  to  be  indispensably  necessary.  "  If  any 
man  will  [be  willing  to]  come  after  me,  let  him 
deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow 
me."     (Matt.  xvi.  24.) 

"  Father  !  I  will,  that  they  also  whom  Thou 
hast  given  me,  may  be  with  me  where  I  am  ;  that 
they  may  behold  Thy  glory  which  Thou  hast 
given  me  :  for  Thoulovest  me  before  the  found- 
ation of  the  world."  (John  xvii.  24.) 

Paul  and  Barnabas  confirmed  the  souls  of  the 
disciples,  exhorting  them  to  continue  in  the 
faith,  and  that  we  must  through  much  tribu- 
lation enter  the  kingdom  of  God.  (Acts  xiv.  22.) 

What  are  these  which  are  arrayed  in  white 
robes,  and  whence  come  they  ?  These  are  they 
which  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have 
washed  their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb.  (Rev.  vii.  17,  18.) 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chastenest,  O 
Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of -Thy  Law;  that 
thou  mayest  give  him  rest  from  the  days  of 
adversity,  and  do  him  good  at  his  latter  end. 
(Psal.  xciv.  12,  13.     Deut.  viii.  15.) 

There    remaineth    therefore  a   rest    to    the 


CONCERNING     AFFLICTIONS.  11 

people  of  God.  Let  us  labor  thereforfi  to  enter 
into  that  rest,  lest  any  man  fall  after  the  same  ex- 
ample of  unbelief  [as  the  disobedient  Israelites]. 
(Heb.  iv.  a  U.) 

I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto  me  : — 
Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  <lie  in  the 
Lord,  from  henceforth  :  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit, 
that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their 
works  do  follow  them.  And  God  shall  wipe  away 
all  tears  from  their  eyes  :  and  there  shall  be  no 
more  death,  neither  sorrow  nor  crying,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain  :  for  the  former 
things  are  passed  away.    (Rev.  xiv.  13. ;  xxi.  4.) 


SECTION  in. 

ON   THE    DUTIES    OF    THE    AFFLICTED. 

1.  Attention,  ''Docility,  and  Self-Exami- 
NATioN. — In  the  day  of  prosperity  be  joyful,  but 
in  the  day  of  adversity  consider.  God  also  hath 
set  the  one  over  against  the  other,  to  the 
end  that  man  should  find  nothing  after  him. 
(Eccl.  vii.  14.) 

Now,  therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 
Consider  your  ways.  Hear  ye  the  rod,  and  who 
hath  appointed  it.     (Hagg.  i.  5.     Mic.  vi.  9.) 

Be  ye  not  as  the  horse  or  as  the  mule,  which 
have  no  understanding,  whose  mouth  must  be 
held  in  with  bit  and  bridle.     (Psal.  xxxii.  9.) 


12  THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

Beliold !  happy  is  the  man  whom  God  cor- 
recteth  :  therefore,  despise  not  thou  the  chasten- 
ing of  the  Ahnighty.  My  son,  despise  not  the 
chastening  of  the  Loud  ;  neither  be  weary  of  his 
correction,  nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of 
Him.  Receive,  I  pray  thee,  the  law  from  His 
mouth,  and  lay  up  His  words  in  thine  heart. 
(Job  V.  17.  Prov.  iii.  11.  Heb.  v.  12.  Job 
xxii.  22.) 

2.  Humility.— 'Humble  yourselves  therefore 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  that  He  may 
exalt  you  in  due  time.  Humble  yourselves  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up. 
(1  Pet.  v.  6.     James  iv.  10.) 

He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good; 
and  what  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 
do  justly,  and  to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly 
with  thy  God.     (Mic.  vi.  8.) 

3.  Confession  of  Sins. — Only  acknowledge 
thine  iniquity,  that  thou  hast  transgressed  against 
the  Lord  thy  God.     (Jer.  iii.  13.) 

(1.)  So  did  David. — I  have  sinned  greatly,  be- 
cause I  have  done  this  thing  :  but  now,  I  beseech 
thee,  do  away  the  iniquity  of  thy  servant,  for  I 
have  done  very  foolishly.     (I  Chron.  xxi.  8.) 

(2.)  So  did  Jeremiah,  addressing  the  Plebrews 
after  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem : — Let  us 
search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  unto 
the  Lord.  Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our 
hands  unto  God  in  the  heavens.  We  have  trans- 
gressed and  rebelled;  and  thou  hast  not  pardoned. 
(Lam.  iii.  40—42.) 

(3.)  So  did  Daniel. — I  prayed  unto  the  Lord 
my  God,  and  made  my  confession,  and  said  : — 


CONCERNING     AFFLICTIONS.  13 

O  Lord,  the  great  and  dreadful  God,  keeping 
the  covenant  and  mercy  to  them  that  love  Him, 
and  to  them  that  keep  his  commandments !  We 
have  sinned,  and  committed  iniquity,  and  have 
done  wickedly,  and  have  rebelled,  even  by  de- 
parting from  Thy  precepts  and  from  Thy  judg- 
ments. Neither  have  we  hearkened  unto  Thy 
servants  the  prophets,  which  spake  in  Thy  name 
to  our  kings,  to  our  princes,  and  to  our  fathers, 
and  to  all  the  people  of  the  land.  O  Lord, 
righteousness  belongeth  unto  Thee,  but  unto  us 
confusion  of  faces,  as  at  this  day  ; — to  our  kings, 
to  our  princes,  and  to  our  fathers,  because  we 
have  sinned  against  Thee.  To  the  Lord  our 
God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses  though 
we  have  rebelled  against  Him  ;  neither  have  we 
obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord  our  God,  to  walk 
in  His  laws  which  He  set  before  us  by  His 
servants  the  prophets.  Yea,  all  Israel  have 
transgressed  Thy  law,  even  by  departing,  that 
they  may  not  obey  Thy    voice  :  therefore    the 

curse  is  poured  upon  us All  this  evil  is  come 

upon  us,  yet  made  we  not  our  prayer  before  the 
Lord  our  God,  that  we  might  turn  from  our 
iniquities,  and  understand  Thy  truth.  Therefore 
hath  the  Lord  watched  upon  the  evil,  and 
brought  it  upon  us  :  for  the  Lord  our  God  is 
righteous  in  that  he  doeth ;  for  we  obeyed 
not  his  voice.     (Dan.  ix.  4 — IL  13.  14.) 

4.  Repentance — Conversion. —  O  Israel, 
return  unto  the  Lord  thy  God,  for  thou  hast 
fallen  by  thine  iniquity.  Take  with  you  words, 
and  turn  unto  the  Lord  and  say  unto  Him  ;  Take 
away  all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  graciously,  so 
2 


14  THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

will  we  render  the  calves  of  our  lips,  [that  is, 
the  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God,  continually.] 
(Hos.  xiv.  1,  2.     Heb.  xiii.  15.) 

Turn  you  at  my  reproof:  behold  I  will  pour 
out  my  spirit  unto  you  ;  I  will  make  known  my 
words  unto  you.     (Prov.  i.  23.) 

Return,  ye  backsliding  children  ;  I  will  heal 
your  backslidings.  Behold  we  come  unto  Thee, 
for  Thou  art  the  Lord  our  God.     (Jer.  iii.  22.) 

Return  ye  now  every  one  from  his  evil  way, 
and  make  your  ways  and  your  doings  good. 
Therefore,  turn  thou  unto  thy  God  :  keep  mercy 
and  judgment,  and  wait  on  God  continually. 
(Jer.  xviii.  11.     Hos.  xii.  6.) 

Come,  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord :  for 
He  hath  torn,  and  He  will  heal  us.  He  hath 
smitten,  and  He   will  bind  us  up.     (Hos.  vi.  1.) 

Therefore  also  now,  saith  the  Lord,  turn  ye 
to  me  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  fasting,  and 
weeping,  and  mourning  :  and  rend  your  heart 
and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord 
your  God  ;  for  He  is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow 
to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness,  and  repenteth 
Him  of  the  evil.     (Joel  ii.  13,  14.) 

Example  of  Repentance. — The  king  of  Nine- 
veh caused  it  to  be  proclaimed  and  published 
through  Nineveh  (by  the  decree  of  the  king  and 
liis  nobles),  saying  : — Let  neither  man  nor  beast, 
herd  nor  flock,  taste  any  thing  ;  let  them  not  feed 
nor  drink  water.  But  let  man  and  beast  be  cover- 
ed with  sackcloth,  and  cry  mightily  unto  God:  yea, 
let  them  turn  every  one  from  his  evil  way,  and 
from  the  violence  that  is  in  their  hands.  (Joel  ii. 
8,9.) 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  15 

5.  Prayer. — Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 
trouble  ;  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glo- 
rify me,     (Psal.  1.  15.) 

Seek  the  Lord,  and  His  strength  :  seek  His 
face  evermore.  Seek  ye  Me,  and  ye  shall  live. 
(Psal.  cv.  4.     Amos  v.  4.) 

Let  us  lift  up  our  heart  with  our  hands  unto 
God  in  the  heavens.     (Lam.  iii.  41.) 

Is  any  among  you  afflicted? — Let  him  pray. 
(James  v.  13.) 

Examples  of  Prayer  under  Affiiction. 

(1.)  David. — As  for  me,  I  will  call  upon  God  : 
and  the  Lord  shall  save  me.  Give  ear  to  my 
prayer,  O  God  :  and  hide  not  thyself  from  my 
supplication.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  God ; 
be  merciful  unto  me,  for  my  soul  trusteth  in 
Thee  ;  yea,  in  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings  will  I 
make  my  refuge,  until  these  calamities  be  over- 
past. From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  cry  unto 
Thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed  :  lead  me 
to  the  rock  that  is  higher  than  I.  O  Lord,  in 
Thee  do  I  put  my  trust,  save  me  from  all  them 
that  persecute  me  ;  and  deliver  me.  I  will  call 
upon  the  Lord,  who  is  worthy  to  be  praised  : 
so  shall  I  be  saved  from  mine  enemies.  In  my 
distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried  unto 
my  God  ;  He  heard  my  voice  out  of  His  temple, 
and  my  cry  came  before  Him.  (Psal.  Iv.  16,  1. ; 
Ivii.  1. ;  Ixi.  2.;  vii.  1.;  xviii.  3.  6.) 

(2.)  Hezekiah,  in  those  days  when  he  was 
sick,  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and  prayed  to 
the  Lord.  (2  Kings  xx.  1,  2.) 

(3.)  Manasseh,  when  he  was  in  affliction,  be- 


16         THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

sought  the  Lord  his  God  ;  and  humbled  himself 
greatly  before  the  God  of  his  fathers,  and  prayed 
unto  Him  ;  and  He  was  entreated  of  him,  and 
heard  his  supplications.  (2  Chron.  xxxiii.  12, 13.) 

(4.)  Daniel. — I  set  my  face  unto  the  Lord 
God,  to  seek  by  prayer  and  supplications,  with 
fasting,  and  sackcloth  and  ashes  ;  and  I  prayed 
unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and  make  my  confession. 
(Dan.  ix.  3,  4.     Read  the  whole  chapter.) 

(5.)  Paul. — For  this  thing  ("  the  thorn  in  his 
flesh,  the  messenger  of  Satan  to  buffet  him,  lest 
he  should  be  exalted  above  measure")  I  be- 
sought the  Lord  thrice,  that  it  might  depart 
from  me.     (2  Cor.  xii.  7,  8.) 

(6.)  Lastly,  and  above  all,  is  the  example  of 
our  adorable  Redeemer,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
when  "  his  soul  was  exceeding  sorrowful,  even 
unto  death  :"  who,  in  the  days  of  his  flesh,  when 
he  had  offered  up  prayers  and  supplications, 
with  strong  crying  and  tears  unto  him  that  was 
able  to  save  him  from  death,  was  heard  in  that 
he  feared.  (Heb.  v.  7.  with  Matt.  xxvi.  36,  &,c. 
Mark  xiv.  32,  &c.     Luke  xxii.  39,  &:.c.) 

6.  Patience. — It  is  good  that  a  man  should 
both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation  of 
the  Lord.  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  be  of  good 
courage ;  and  He  shall  strengthen  thine  heart. 
Wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  strengthen 
your  heart.  They  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall 
renew  their  strength.  (Lam.  iii.  26.  Psal.  xxvii. 
14.;  xxxi.  24.     Isai.  xl.  3L) 

Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for 
Him  :  fret  not  thyself  because  of  him  who  pros- 
pereth    in  his  way,   because  of  the  man  who 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  17 

bringeth  wicked  devices  to  pass  :  knowing  this, 
that  the  trial  of  your  faith  worketh  patience. 
But  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work,  that  ye 
may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting  nothing. 
(Psal.  xxxvii.  7.  James  i.  8,  4.) 

In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls  ;  re- 
joicing in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation,  continuing 
instant  in  prayer.     (Luke  xxi.  19.  Rom.  xii.  12.) 

Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets  who  have 
spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for  an  example 
of  suffering  affliction  and  of  patience.  Behold, 
we  count  them  happy  which  endure.  Ye  have 
heard  of  the  patience  of  Job,  and  have  seen  the 
end  of  the  Lord  ;  that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful, 
and  of  tender  mercy.     (James  v.  10,  11.) 

We  cease  not  to  pray  for  you,  and  to  desire 
that  ye  might  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of 
his  will,  in  all  wisdom  and  spiritual  understand- 
ing :  that  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord 
unto  all  pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good 
work,  and  increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  God  ; 
strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience  and  long  suf- 
fering, with  joyfulness.     (Col.  i.  9 — 11.) 

We  glory  in  you  in  the  churches  of  God  for 
your  patience  and  faith  in  all  your  persecutions 
and  tribulations  that  ye  endure.  (2  Thess.  i.  4.) 

7.  Resignation  to  the  Will  of  God. — 
We  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh,  which  have 
corrected  us,  and  we  gave  them  reverence  :  shall 
we  not  much  rather  be  in  subjection  to  the 
Father  of  spirits,  and  live?  Humble  yourselves, 
therefore,  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  .... 
2* 


18  THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTUKES 

casting  all  your  care  upon  Him,  for  he  careth 
for  you.     (Heb.  xii.  9.     1  Pet.  v.  6,  7.) 

Cast  thy  burthen  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall 
sustain  thee  :  He  shall  never  suffer  the  righteous 
to  be  moved.  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  : 
trust  also  in  him,  and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass. 
(Psal.  Iv.  22.;  xxxvii.5.) 

Examples  of  Resignation,  and  of  entire  Sub- 
mission to  the  Dispensations  of  God. 

(1.)  Job  arose  and  rent  his  mantle,  and  shaved 
his  head,  and  fell  down  upon  the  ground,  and 
worshipped  and  said  : — "  Naked  came  I  out  of 
my  mother's  womb,  and  naked  shall  I  return 
thither.  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away  ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 
Then  said  his  wife  unto  him  :  "  Dost  thou  still 
retain  thine  integrity  ?  Curse  God,  and  die  !" 
But  he  said  unto  her  :  "  Thou  speakest  as  one 
of  the  foolish  women  speaketh :  what?  Shall  we 
not  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and  shall 
we  not  receive  evil?"     (Job  ii.  9,  10.) 

(2.)  Aaron,  after  the  death  of  his  sons,  Nadab 
and  Abihu, —  Then  Moses  said  unto  Aaron: 
"  This  is  it  that  the  Lord  spake,  saying,  I  will 
be  sanctified  in  them  that  come  nigh  me,  and 
before  all  the  people  I  will  be  glorified."  And 
Aaron  held  his  peace. 

(3.)  Eli.  —  Samuel  told  him  every  whit,  and 
hid  nothing  from  him :  and  he  said,  "  It  is  the 
Lord  :  let  Him  do  what  seemeth  Him  good." 
(I  Sam.  iii.  18.) 

(4.)  David.— If  He  [God]  thus  say,  "I 
have  no  delight  in  thee  ;"  behold,  here  am  /,  let 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  19 

Him  do  to  me  as  seemeth  good  unto  Him. 
(2  Sam.  XV.  26.) 

David  said  unto  Gad,"  I  am  in  a  great  strait : 
let  us  now  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord  (for 
his  mercies  are  great),  and  let  me  not  fall  into 
the  hand  of  man."     (2  Sam.  xxiv.  14.) 

(5.)  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  Gethsemane, 
kneeled  down,  and  fell  on  his  face  on  the  ground, 
and  prayed,  that  if  it  wore  possible  the  hour 
might  pass  from  him.  And  he  said  :  "  Abba, 
Father  !  all  things  are  possible  unto  Thee.  O 
my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  take  away  this  cup ; 
let  it  pass  from  me  :  nevertheless,  not  what  I 
will,  but  what  Thou  wilt."  (Matt.  xxvi.  39.  Luke 
xxii.  41.) 

And  again  he  went  away  the  second  time  and 
prayed,  and  spake  the  same  words,  saying  :  ''  O 
my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  from  me 
except  I  drink  it.  Thy  will  be  done."  ....  And 
he  prayed  the  third  time,  saying  :  "  Father !  If 
thou  be  willing,  remove  this  cup  from  me  ;  never- 
theless, not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done."  (Matt. 
xxvi.  42,  43.  Luke  xxii.  42.) 

8.  Hope.  —  In  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  hope,  — 
Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  1  And  why 
art  thou  disquieted  within  me?  Hope  thou  in 
God.    (Psal.  xxxviii.  15. ;  xlii.  11.  ;  xliii.  5.) 

Therefore  turn  thou  to  thy  God  :  keep  mercy 
and  judgment ;  and  wait  on  [rather  hope  in] 
thy  God  continually.  (Hos.  xii.  6.)  Our  fathers 
hoped  in  Thee  :  they  trusted  in  Thee,  and  Thou 
didst  deliver  them.    (Psal.  xxii.  4.) 

This  I  recall  to  mind,  therefore  have  I  hope. 
It  is  ofthe  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are  not  con- 


20  THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE  SCRIPTURES 

sumed,  because  His  compassions  fail  not.  They 
are  new  every  morning ;  great  is  Thy  faithful- 
ness. The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul  ; 
therefore  will  I  hope  in  Him.  (Lam.  iii.  21 — 24.) 

9.  A  FIRM  RELIANCE  ON  THE  DIVINE  PRO- 
MISES, that  the  righteous  shall  he  supported  under 
afflictions. 

Be  not  afraid  :  only  believe.  (Mark  v.  36.) 

Acquaint  nowthyself  with  God,  and  be  at  peace: 
thereby  good  shall  come  unto  thee.  (Job  xxii.2L) 

Hearken  unto  me,  ye  that  know  righteous- 
ness ;  the  people  in  whose  heart  is  my  law,  fear 
ye  not  the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be  ye  afraid 
of  their  revilings.  For  the  moth  shall  eat  them 
up  like  a  garment,  and  the  worm  shall  eat  them 
like  wool  :  but  my  righteousness  shall  be  forever, 
and  my  salvation  from  generation  to  generation. 
(Isa.  li.  7,  8.) 

They  that  know  Thy  name  will  put  their 
trust  in  Thee :  for  Thou,  Lord,  hast  not  for- 
saken them  that  seek  Thee.  The  righteous  cry, 
and  the  Lord  heareth  and  delivereth  them. 
Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous,  but  the 
Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all.  Though 
he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down  :  for  the 
Lord  upholdeth  him  with  His  hand.  Cast  thy 
burthen  upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain 
thee.  He  will  never  suffer  the  righteous  to  be 
moved.  For  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  for  ever: 
but  though  He  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have 
compassion,  according  to  the  multitude  of  His 
mercies.  There  hath  no  temptation  taken  you 
but  such  as  is  common  to  man ;  but  God  is  faith- 
ful, who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  tempted  above 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  21 

that  ye  are  able,  but  will  with  the  temptation 
also  make  a  way  to  escape,  that  ye  may  be  able 
to  bear  it.  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee  :  for 
my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness.  The 
Lord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of 
temptations.  (Psal.  ix.  10. ;  xxxiv.  19. ;  xxxvii. 
24.;  Iv.  22.  Lam.  iii.  31,  32.  1  Cor.  x.  13.  2 
Cor.  xii.  9.     2  Pet.  ii.  9.) 

Examples  ofjirm  Reliance  upon   God  in 
afflictions. 

(1.)  Job  said, 

Though  he  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him. 
He  also  shall  be  my  salvation.  (Job  xiii.  15,  16.) 

I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he 
shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth.  And 
though  after  my  skin,  worms  destroy  this  body, 
yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God :  whom  I  shall 
see  for  myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold  and 
not  another.  (Job  xix.  25 — 27.) 

(2.)  David  thus  expresses  his  confidence: — 
Mine  eyes  are  ever  towards  the  Lord  :  for  he 
shall  pluck  my  feet  out  of  the  net.  The  Lord  is 
my  light  and  my  salvation,  whom  shall  I  fear  ? 
The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life,  of  whom 
shall  I  be  afraid  1  —  Though  an  host  should  en- 
camp against  me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear :  for 
in  the  time  of  trouble  He  shall  hide  me  in  his 
pavilion  ;  in  the  secret  of  his  tabernacle  shall  he 
hide  me,  he  shall  set  me  upon  a  rock.  (Psal. 
xxv.  15. ;  xxvii.  1.  3.  5.) 

What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in  Thee. 
In  God  have  I  put  my  trust,  I  will  not  fear  what 
flesh  [or  man]  can  do  unto  me.     Truly  my  soul 


22    THE  DOCTRINE  OF  THE   SCRIPTURES 

waiteth  upon  God ;  from  Him  cometh  my  sal- 
vation. My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God,  for 
my  expectation  is  from  Him.  He  only  is  my 
rock  and  my  salvation  ;  I  shall  not  be  moved. 
The  rock  of  my  strength  and  my  refuge  is  in 
God.  (Psal.  Ivi.  3,  4.  11.;  Ixii.  1.  5,  6,  7.) 

Thou  art  my  hiding  place,  thou  shalt  preserve 
me  from  trouble  :  thou  shalt  compass  me  about 
with  songs  of  deliverance.  (Psal.  xxxii.  7.) 

My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth ;  but  God  is' 
the  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my  portion  for 
ever.  Thou  art  my  hiding  place  and  my  shield: 
I  hope  in  Thy  word.  (Psal,  Ixxiii.  26.  ;  cxix.  114.) 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou 
wilt  revive  we  :  thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thine 
hand  against  the  wrath  of  mine  enemies,  and  thy 
right  hand  shall  save  me.  The  Lord  will  per- 
fect that  which  concerneth  me.  Thy  mercy,  O 
Lord,  endureth  for  ever  :  forsake  not  the  works 
of  thine  own  hands.  (Psal.  cxxxviii.  7,  8.) 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil,  for  Thou  art 
with  me  :  thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort 
me.  God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the  power 
of  the  grave:  for  he  shall  receive  me.  (Psal. 
xxiii.  3,  4. ;    xlix.  15.) 

(3.)  A  Woman  of  Canaan.  —  Behold,  a 
woman  of  Canaan  ....  cried  unto  him  [Jesus], 
saying.  Have  mercy  on  me,  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of 
David  ;  my  daughter  is  grievously  vexed  with  a 
devil.  But  he  answered  her  not  a  word.  And 
his  disciples  came  and  besought  him  saying, 
Send  her  away,  for  she  crieth  after  us.  But  he 
answered  and  said,  I  am  not  sent  but  unto  the  lost 


CONCERNING   AFFLICTIONS.  23 

sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel.  Then  came  she 
and  worshipped  him,  saying,  Lord !  Help  me. 
But  he  answered  and  said,  It  is  not  meet  to  take 
the  children's  bread,  and  cast  it  to  dogs.  And 
she  said,  Truth,  Lord  :  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the 
crumbs  which  fall  from  the  master's  table.  Then 
Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her,  O  woman, 
great  is  thy  faith  :  be  it  even  unto  thee  as  thou 
wilt.  And  her  daughter  was  made  whole  from 
.that  very  hour.  (Matt.  xv.  22,  28.) 

(4.)  BARTiMiEus. —  As  Jesus  went  out  of 
Jericho,  with  his  disciples  and  a  great  number  of 
people,  blind  Batimaeus,  the  son  of  Timaeus,  sat 
by  the  wayside  begging.  And  when  he  heard 
that  it  was  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  he  began  to  cry 
out  and  to  say,  Jesus,  thou  Son  of  David,  have 
mercy  upon  me.  And  many  charged  him  that 
he  should  hold  his  peace  :  but  he  cried  the 
more  a  great  deal.  Thou  son  of  David,  have 
mercy  on  me.  And  Jesus  stood  still,  and  com- 
manded him  to  be  called  :  and  they  call  the 
blind  man,  saying  unto  him,  Be  of  good  comfort. 
Rise  ;  he  calleth  thee.  And  he  casting  away  his 
garment  rose,  and  came  to  Jesus.  And  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  him.  What  wilt  thou 
that  I  should  do  unto  thee  ?  The  blind  man  said 
unto  him.  Lord,  that  I  might  receive  my  sight. 
And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Go  thy  way  :  thy 
FAITH  hath  madethee  whole.  And  immediately 
he  received  sight,  and  followed  Jesus  in  the  way. 
(Mark  x.  46 — 52.)  Other  examples  of  faith  in 
God  and  Christ  under  afflictions  are  :  —  The 
Leper,  (Matt.  viii.  2,  3.  compared  with  Mark  i. 
40—42.    Luke  v.   12,   13.)  — The    Centurion, 


24         THE    DOCTRINE    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES 

(Matt.  viii.  5 — 13.  compared  with  Luke  vii.  2 — 
10.) — the  inhabitants  of  Gennesareth,  (Matt.  xiv. 
35,36,  compared  with  Mark  vi.  56.),  and  the 
penitent  malefactor.  (Luke  xxiii.  42,  43.) 

10.  Holiness  and  fervent  desires  for  holiness, 
I  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will  speak,  for 

he  will  speak  peace  unto  his  people  and  his  saints : 
but  let  them  not  turn  again  to  folly.  (Psal. 
Ixxxv.  8.) 

O  Jerusalem,  wash  thine  heart  from  wicked- 
ness, that  thou  mayest  be  saved  :  how  long  shall 
thy  vain  thoughts  lodge  within  thee  ? — Wash  ye, 
make  you  clean  ;  put  away  the  evil  of  your 
doings  before  mine  eyes.  Cease  to  do  evil, 
learn  to  do  well ;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the 
oppressed,  judge  for  the  fatherless,  plead  for  the 
widow.  Seek  good  and  not  evil,  that  ye  may 
live :  and  so  the  Lord  of  hosts  shall  be  with 
you.  Surely  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto  God,  I 
have  borne  chastisement ,  I  will  not  offend  any 
more.  That  which  I  see  not,  teach  Thou  me.  If  I 
have  done  iniquity,  I  will  do  no  more.  ( Jer.  iv.  14. 
Isa.  i.  16,  ]7.  Amos  v.  14.  Job  xxxiv.  31,  32.) 

11.  Joy. — Rejoice,  inasmuch  as  ye  are  par- 
takers of  Christ's  sufferings ;  that,  when  his 
glory  shall  be  revealed,  ye  may  be  glad  also  with 
exceeding  joy.    (1  Pet.  iv.  14.) 

Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  revile  you  and 
persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil 
against  you  falsely  for  my  sake.  Rejoice  and 
be  exceeding  glad,  for  great  is  your  reward  in 
heaven :  for  so  persecuted  they  the  prophets 
which  were  before  you.  My  brethren,  count  it 
all  joy   when    ye  fall  into  divers   temptations  ; 


CONCERNING    AFFLICTIONS.  25 

knowing  that  the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh 
patience.     (Matt.  v.  11,  12.     James  i.  2,  3.) 

Examples  of  Persons^  who  rejoiced  amidst  Tribu- 
lations. 

(1.)  Veter  and  John. — They  departed  from 
the  presence  of  the  council,  rejoicing  that  they 
were  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  Christ's 
name.     (Acts  v.  41.) 

(2.)  Paul  and  Silas,  at  midnight,  prayed  and 
sang  praises  unto  God.     (Acts  xvi.  25.) 

(3.)  St.  Paul. — I  am  filled  with  comfort,  I  am 
exceeding  joyful  in  all  our  tribulation.  (2  Cor. 
vii.  4.) 

(4.)  The  primitive  Church  a^  Thessalonica : 
— Ye  became  followers  of  us  and  of  the  Lord, 
having  received  the  word  with  much  affliction, 
and  joy  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     (1  Thess.  i.  6.) 

(5.)  The  Hebrew  Christians  : — Ye  took  joy- 
fully the  spoiling  of  your  goods,  knowing  in  your- 
selves, that  in  heaven  ye  have  a  better  and  an 
enduring  substance.     (Heb.  x.  34.) 

12.  Mutual  sympathy  aiid  consolation. — 
Pure  and  undefiled  religion  before  God  even  the 
Father  is  this  : — To  visit  the  fatherless  and 
widows  in  their  affliction.     (James  i.  27.) 

God  ....  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation, 
that  AVE  MAY  BE  ABLE  TO  COMFORT  them  which 
are  in  any  trouble  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we 
ourselves  are  comforted  of  God.  Wherefore, 
comfort  yourselves  together,  and  edify  one  an- 
other even  as  also  ye  do  ...  .  Comfort  the  feeble- 
minded, support  the  weak,  be  patient  towards 
all  men.  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and  so 
3 


26  THE    BEST    PREPARATION 

fulfil  the  law  of  Christ.  Rejoice  with  them  that 
do  rejoice,  and  weep  with  them  that  weep.  Re- 
member them  that  are  in  bonds,  as  bound  with 
them  ;  and  them  which  suffer  adversity,  as  being 
yourselves  also  in  the  body.  When  thou  art  con- 
verted, strengthen  thy  brethren.  (2  Cor.  i.  4. 
1  Thess.  V.  11.  14.  Gal.  vi.  2.  Rom.  xii.  15. 
Ileb.  xiii.  3.     Luke  xxii.  32.) 


CHAPTER  II. 

ON  THE  BEST  PREPARATION  FOR  AFFLICTIONS, 
AND  FOR  THE  IMPROVEMENT  OF  THEM  J  AND 
OUR  DUTY  ON  BEING  DELIVERED  FROM  AF- 
FLICTIONS. 

•  SECTION    I.» 

ON    THE  BEST    PREPARATION    FOR    AFFLICTIONS. 

In  the  day  of  prosperity  be  joyful  ;  but  in  the  day  of 
adversity  CONSIDER.— Eccles.  vii.  14. 

It  is  the  great  folly  of  most  men,  especially 
when  they  are  in  prosperous  circumstances,  that 

*  This  and  the  two  following  sections  are  abridged 
from  three  papers  of  the  learned  and  pious  Sir  Matthew 
Hale;  which  fill  nearly  ninef?/ closely  printed  pages  of 
his  "  Contemplations,  Moral  and  Divine,"  in  two  parts, 
published  at  London  in  1705,  in  octavo.  Having  been 
composed  at  different  times,  these  meditations  are  fre- 
quently 5m//a7*  as  to  the  topics  discussed,  though  the  lat- 
ter are  often  treated  in  a  different  order.    They  are  here 


FOR    AFFLICTIONS.  27 

they  cannot  suppose  or  imagine  the  possibility  of 
a  change  in  their  affairs  or  conditions.  A  living 
man  can  hardly  think  of  dying  ;  a  healthy  man 
can  hardly  think  of  sickness  ;  a  wealthy  man  can 
hardly  think  of  poverty ;  a  man  who  is  in  full 
possession  of  the  applause  and  glory  of  the  world, 
can  hardly  think  of  being  exposed  to  calumny, 
reproach,  and  disgrace.  Since,  however,  both 
Scripture  and  experience  attest,  that  the  most 
sincere  piety  and  integrity  cannot  confer  any 
exemption  from  afflictions,  it  becomes  the  serious 
concern  of  all,  to  be  prepared  for  that,  which,  in 
some  form  or  other,  must  sooner  or  later  neces- 
sarily be  our  portion.  The  following  consider- 
ations therefore  are  offered  as  a  preparative 
against  afflictions,  before  they  are  permitted  to 
overtake  us. 

1.  "  /w  the  day  of  prosperity  "  frequently  con- 
template the  possibility  oj  a  change  of  circum- 
stances, and  expect  afflictions  before  they  come. 

The  very  state  of  the  world  is  uncertain  and 
unstable,  and  for  the  most  part  stormy  and 
troublesome.  If  there  be  some  intervals  of  tran- 
quillity, or  of  health  and  prosperity,  they  are 
commonly  followed  by  longer  periods  of  unquiet- 
ness  and  trouble,  of  sorrow,  sickness,  and  adver- 
sity ;  and  the  greatest  impressions  are  then  made 
by  them,  when  they  surprise  us,  and  come  un- 
expectedly.     When   the  mind   is  prepared    for 

brought  together  and  condensed,  with  the  addition  of 
one  or  two  passages  from  later  writers,  which  are 
duly  distinguished  from  the  sentiments  of  Lord  Chief 
Justice  Hale. 


*28  THE    BEST    PREPARATION 

them  by  a  kind  of  anticipation,  it  abates  the  edge, 
and  keenness,  and  sharpness  of  them.  Thispre- 
apprehension  and  anticipation  of  troubles  and 
difficulties  is  the  mother  of  prevention,  where  it 
is  possible ;  and  where  it  is  not  possible,  yet  it  is 
the  mother  of  patience  and  resolution  when  they 
actually  arrive.  The  venerable  martyr  Bilney, 
when  the  true  profession  of  the  gospel  in  this 
kingdom  was  under  papal  persecution,  was  ac- 
customed, before  he  suffered,  to  put  his  finger 
into  the  flame  of  a  candle,  in  order  to  habituate 
himself  to  the  patient  endurance  of  his  impend- 
ing martyrdom  at  the  stake  :  which  he  at  length 
suffered,  with  singular  resolution,  patience,  faith, 
and  charity. 

Men  are  apt  to  feed  their  fancies  with  the 
anticipation  of  what  they  hope  for,  and  wish  in 
this  world,  and  to  possess  it  in  imagination  before 
they  attain  it  in  fruition.  But,  if  they  would 
have  the  patience  sometimes  to  anticipate  what 
they  have  just  cause  to  fear,  and  to  put  them- 
selves under  a  pre-apprehension  of  it,  in  relation 
to  crosses  and  troubles,  it  would  make  them 
WISE,  and  teach  them  a  lesson  of  patience  and 
moderation,  before  they  have  occasion  to  use  it: 
so  that  they  need  not  then  begin  to  learn  it, 
when  the  present  and  incumbent  pressure  renders 
the  lesson  more  difficult.  This  was  the  method 
our  blessed  Lord  took  with  his  disciples, — fre- 
quently to  tell  them  beforehand  what  sufferings 
they  must  expect  in  the  world  ;  in  order  that 
they  might  be  prepared  to  entertain  them  with 
resolution  and  patience. 


FOR    AFFLICTIONS.  29 

II.  In  the  time  of  our  prosperity^  let  us  make  it 
our  care  to  maintain  a  conscience  void  of  offence 
before  the  approach  of  troubles  and  affiictions. 

As  sin  (and  a  consciousness  of  its  guilt)  is  the 
sting  of  death  ;  so  is  it  the  very  sting  and  venom 
of  all  crosses  and  afflictions.  This  is  that  which 
imparts  the  greatest  bitterness  and  strength  to 
afflictions;  as  it  not  only  weakens  and  disables 
the  spirit  of  a  man,  but  also  obstructs  the  inter- 
course between  God  and  the  soul,  and  fails  not 
to  bring  all  former  sins  to  remembrance. 

When  Joseph's  brethren  were  in  a  great  strait 
in  Egypt,  under  the  threatenings  and  seeming 
jealousy  of  their  unknown  brother,  then  the  re- 
membrance of  their  injury  to  their  defenceless 
brother,  presented  itself  to  their  guilty  minds  with 
every  possible  aggravation.  Conscience,  which 
had  been  silenced  for  more  than  twenty  years, 
then  stepped  forth,  and  gave  them  the  necessary 
information  respecting  their  former  unrepented 
crime.  "  We  are  verily  guilty  concerning  our 
brother,  in  that  we  saw  the  anguish  of  his  soul, 
when  he  besought  us,  and  we  would  not  hear. 
Therefore  is  this  distress  come  upon  us." 
(Gen.  xlii.  21.)  "A  wounded  spirit  who  can 
bear?"     (Prov.  xviii.  14.) 

On  the  other  hand,  integrity  and  a  good  con- 
science sustain  the  mind  and  spirit  of  a  m.an  amidst 
all  the  storms  of  the  world.  If  thou  meanest 
therefore  to  make  affliction  easy,  keep  thy  con- 
science clear  before  it  comes.  Thou  hast  then 
the  strength  of  thine  own  soul  to  support  thee, and 
liberty  of  access  to  the  most  Mighty  and  Gracious 
God  to  deliver  thee,  when  thou  canst  in  thesin- 
3* 


30  THE    BEST    PREPARATION 

cerity  of  thine  heart,  with  Hezekiah,  appeal  unto 
God  : — "  Remember  now,  O  Lord,  I  beseech 
thee,  how  I  have  walked  before  Thee  in  truth, 
and  with  a  perfect[heart,  and  have  done  that  which 
is  good  in  Thy  sight."  (Isa.  xxxviii.  3.)  And  this 
access  to  Almighty  God  imparts  new  supplies,  suc- 
cor, and  strength  to  the  soul,  to  bear  it  up  under 
very  great  and  pressing  afflictions.  If,  therefore, 
either  before  the  access  or  irruption  of  troubles,  or 
under  their  pressure,  any  thing  or  person  in  the 
world  solicit  thee  to  ease  or  deliver  thyself  by  a 
breach  or  wound  of  thy  conscience  :  know,  that 
they  are  about  to  cheat  thee  of  thy  best  security, 
under  God,  against  the  power  or  malignity  of  trou- 
bles :  they  are  about  to  clip  off  that  lock,  in  which 
under  God  thv  strength  lieth.  Whatever  therefore 
thou  dost  hazard  or  lose,  keep  the  integrity  of 
thy  conscience,  both  before  the  approach  of 
troubles  and  under  them.  It  is  a  jewel,  that  will 
make  thee  rich  in  the  midst  of  poverty  ;  a  sun, 
that  will  give  thee  light  in  the  midst  of  darkness  ; 
a  fortress,  that  will  keep  thee  safe  in  the  greatest 
danger,  and  which  is  never  to  be  taken,  unless 
thou  thyself  betray  it  and  deliver  it  up. 

But  if  thy  heart  hath  proved  deceitful  to  thee, 
and  thou  hast  fallen  into  any  sin,  there  yet  remains 
one  expedient  to  stop  and  anticipate  the  malignity 
of  it  from  mingling  with  thy  affliction.  Therefore 

III.  Before  ajflictions  come,  be  i^ure  thou  break 
of  thy  sin  by  sincere  and  hearty  repentance. 

He  that,  before  the  severity  of  affliction 
comes  upon  him,  hath  his  heart  cleansed  from 
the  guilt  of  sin  by  repentance,  whereby  he  for- 
sakes the  love  and  practice  of  all  sin,  and  by  be- 


FOR    AFFLICTIONS.  31 

lieving  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  the  heart 
unto  righteousness, — hath  and  will  have  but  one 
work  to  do,  viz.  to  fit  himself  with  patience  to 
undergo  the  shock  of  affliction  :  but  whosoever  de- 
fers his  repentance  until  driven  to  it  by  affliction, 
his  work  is  more  difficult,  because  he  has  both 
to  begin  his  repentance,  and  to  bear  his  affliction. 

Lest  the  malignity  of  sin  should  remain  in  thy 
soul,  when  affliction  overtakes  thee,  be  careful 
that  thy  repentance  be  frequent :  to  which  end 
let  thy  examinations  of  thy  heart  and  thy  life  be 
strict  and  daily.  When  guilt  and  affliction  come 
upon  a  man  together,  they  add  to  each  other 
weight  and  difficulty  of  removal.  But  affliction 
meeting  with  a  conscience  cleansed  by  faith  and 
repentance,  is  always  tolerable,  and  for  the  most 
part  comfortable.  It  loses  its  nature,  and  becomes 
another  thing  :  it  is  a  preventive  of  sin,  a  cor- 
rective of  corruptions,  an  exercise  of  grace,  a 
conformity  to  Christ,  an  assurance  of  God's  love, 
a  preparative  for  heaven,  rather  than  an  affliction. 

rV.  Above  all  things  he  very  carejul  that  thy 
affliction  he  not  the  just  production  of  thy  sin  or 

folly- 

For  in  the  one  case  thou  sufferest  as  an  evil- 
doer ;  in  the  other,  thou  sufferest  as  a  fool  :  and 
in  neither  canst  thou  take  any  comfort.  If  thou 
sufferest  without  any  fault,  or  for  thy  virtue,  piety, 
or  goodness,  thou  needest  not  be  troubled  for  the 
one,  and  thou  mayest  most  justly  rejoice  in  the 
other.  But  when  a  man  suffers  as  an  evil-doer^ 
or  as  a  busy  body  in  other  men's  matters,  ox  for 
illlanguagc  or  passionate  words,  for  disturbance 
OF  THE  CIVIL  POWER,  or   for  any  other   sinful  or 


32  THE    BEST    PREPARATION 

unjustifiable  action  ;  his  sufferings  lose  the  name 
of  afflictions,  and  become  formally  and  in  their 
own  nature  punishments.  And  in  such  a  kind  of 
sufferinor  though  sometimes  the  goodness  and 
wisdom  of  God  may  bring  good  out  of  it  to  him 
that  suffers;  yet  in  such  sufferings  a  man  does 
not  only  undergo  temporal  loss,  pain,  and  incon- 
venience, but  he  has  the  inevitable  prospect  of 
his  fault  and  offence  in  them,  which  makes  the 
suffering  the  more  bitter  and  distasteful. 

V.  Be  careful  to  bring  thyself  to  a  right  esti- 
mate oj  the  tcorld,  and  of  the  good  or  evil  of  it. 

We  set  too  great  a  value  upon  our  health,  our 
wealth,  or  our  reputation.  And  it  is  this  over- 
valuation of  what  at  the  best  are  but  fleeting  and 
uncertain  external  good  things,  which  renders  us 
unable  to  bear  the  loss  of  them,  patiently  and 
meekly,  by  sickness,  poverty,  calumny,  or  re- 
proach ;  and  which  further  makes  us  fear  death, 
not  only  as  the  ruin  of  nature,  but  as  that  which 
puts  a  period  to  all  our  comforts.  Whereas,  had 
we  but  faith  enough  to  believe  the  truths  of  the 
gospel  concerning  our  future  happiness,  it  would 
make  us  not  desire  death,  because  we  might  in 
the  time  of  this  life  secure  to  ourselves  the  great 
and  one  thing  needful :  and  it  would  make  us 
not  FEAR  death,  because  we  see  a  greater  fruition 
to  be  enjoyed  after  it,  than  all  the  glory  of  this 
present  world  can  yield. 

VI.  llie  next  preparative  against  affliction  /s, 
to  obtain  a  humble  mind. 

When  affliction  meets  a  proud  heart,  full  of 
opinion  of  its  own  worth  and  goodness,  there 
arise    more  trouble  and  tumult,    more    disorder 


FOR    AFFLICTIONS.  3u 

and  discomposure  in  the  contest  of  such  a  heart 
against  the  affliction,  than  possibly  can  arise  from 
the  affliction  itself  The  struggling  of  pride  with 
the  affliction  galls  and  entangles  the  mind  more 
than  the  severest  affliction,  and  renders  a  man 
very  unfit  for  it,  and  very  unable  to  bear  it. 
Whereas  a  humble,  lowly  mind  is  calm  and 
patient,  and  falls  with  ease  upon  an  afflicted  con- 
dition ;  it  being  rightly  prepared  to  receive  the 
shock  of  any  affliction,  for  such  a  mind  is  already 
as  low  as  affliction  can  ordinarily  reduce  it. 

VII.  But,  yet  further,  gain  assurance  of 
THY  PEACE  ^viTH  GoD  tkrougli  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.,  and  consequently  of  thy  future  happiness^ 
and  he  frequent  in  the  contemplation  and  improve- 
ment of  it. 

This  divine  peace,  which  is  attainable  only  by 
the  saving  knowledge  of  Christ,  who  brought  life 
and  immortality  to  light,  is  the  great  means, 
by  which  a  man  obtains  victory  over  the  world, 
and  is  enabled  to  enjoy  prosperity  with  mode- 
ration, and  to  undergo  affliction  with  patience. 
*'  This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world, 
even  your  faith."  (1  John  v.  4.)  When  this 
blessed  peace  is  once  attained,  thou  art  set  above 
the  love  of  the  world  and  the  fear  of  afflictions, 
because  thou  hast  the  assurance  of  a  greater 
treasure  than  this  world  can  either  give  or  take 
away :  *'  a  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved." 
(Heb.  xii.  28.)  ;  a  hope  and  most  assured  ex- 
pectation of  immortality,  which  is  far  above  the 
region  of  afflictions,  and  which  (while  it  makes 
the  best  things  of  this  world  in  their  best  ap- 
pearance and  dress    but    light    and    vain,    and 


34  THE  BEST  PREPARATION,  ETC. 

empty  and  nothing,)  makes  the  worst  things 
that  the  world  and  mortality  can  inflict  or  suffer, 
light  and  easy.  "For  our  light  affliction,  which 
is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory  ;  while  we 
look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the 
things  which  are  not  seen  :  for  the  things  which 
are  seen  are  temporal ;  but  the  things  which  are 
not  seen  are  eternal."     (2  Cor.  iv.  17,  18.) 

The  preceding  considerations  are  some  of 
those  preparations  which,  with  the  divine  grace 
and  blessing,  will  fit  us  to  meet  with  afflictions  : 
and  in  them  these  two  things  are  to  be  remem- 
bered, viz. — 

1.  That  we  do  not  content  ourselves  with 
merely  speculative  notions,  hwi  practically  digest 
the  foregoing  considerations  into  our  hearts^  and 
resolutions  :  for,  if  they  be  but  notional  only,  af- 
flictions, when  they  do  come,  will  easily  defeat 
these  notions.  It  is  possible  for  men  to  have  ex- 
cellent theories  to  support  themselves  in  afflictions, 
and  to  apply  them  to  others  in  that  condition  with 
singular  dexterity  and  advantage:  yet,  when  the 
case  comes  to  be  their  own,  their  spirits  sink 
within  them,  because  these  theories  oftentimes 
float  on  the  understanding,  but  are  not  deeply 
and  practically  digested  in  the  heart. 

2.  Whatever  you  do,  acquire  this  habit  and 
temper  of  mind  : — Exercise  your  faith;  get  your 
peace  and  assurance  settled  before  sickness 
comes  :  for  a  man,  in  any  other  kind  of  suffering, 
may  possibly  learn  them,  because  his  mind  is,  or 
may  be,  in  its  entire  strength.  But,  most  cer- 
tainly, sickness  is  an  ill  season,  in  which  to  begin 


DEPORTMENT  UNDER  AFFLICTIONS.  35 

learning  these  contemplations,  unless  they  are 
acquired  before  the  distempers  of  the  body  dis- 
compose the  mind,  and  render  it  unfit  to  begin  to 
learn.  Sickness  is  a  time,  when  that  which  has 
been  previously  laid  up  in  store  in  the  soul  must 
be  drawn  out  and  exercised  :  but  it  will  be  a 
most  difficult  business  then  to  commence  that 
lesson,  which  should  be  learned  in  health,  though 
it  be  practised  in  sickness. 


SECTION  II. 

COUNSELS    FOR    OUR    DEPORTMENT    UNDER    AFFLICTIONS. 

I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments  are  right,  and  that 
thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  ine. — Psalm  cxix.  76. 

All  the  divine  dispensations,  whether  of  com- 
forts or  crosses,  are  beneficial  or  injurious,  ac- 
cording to  the  temper  of  mind  with  which  they 
are  received  and  used.  Comforts,  if  they  make 
us  thankful,  sober,  and  faithful,  become  bless- 
ings :  if  they  make  us  proud,  insolent,  secure,  or 
forgetful,  they  become  judgments. —  Afflic- 
tions, if  they  are  received  with  humility,  pa- 
tience, repentance,  and  turning  to  God,  are 
blessings  :  but  if  they  are  received  with  mur- 
muring, impatience,  and  incorrigibleness,  they 
become  judgments,  and  the  forerunner  of 
greater  severity.      It  is  therefore  of  importance 


36  COUNSELS    FOR    OVP.     DEFGRTMENT 

that  we  consider  in  what  manner  afflictions,  when 
actually  pressing  upon  us,  arc  to  be  received,  and 
improved.  On  the  first  onset,  then,  of  any  afflic- 
tion, and  especially  of  sickness, 

I.  Lift  lip  thy  litcirt  to  God  in  prayer ;  and 
implore  His  assistaiice  and  grace  to  enable  thee 
to  receive  it  tvith  a  becoming  temper  and  frame  of 
heart. 

The  glorious  God  of  heaven  has  given  to  us 
a  free  and  open  access  to  His  throne ;  there  to 
supplicate  by  our  prayers  for  those  blessings  and 
mercies  which  he  has  promised. 

Prayer  is  the  most  natural  effect  of  affliction, 
especially  if  it  be  severe  and  eminent.  In  a  storm, 
the  sailors  call  every  man  upon  his  God  ;  because 
at  that  season  all  human  efforts  appear  weak  and 
ineffectual ;  and  therefore  they  are  driven  to  in- 
voke Almighty  God  for  aid,  support,  and  com- 
fort. It  is  a  sign  of  a  desperate  mind,  that  it  will 
not  come  unto  God  in  prayer,  at  least  when 
afflictions  press  upon  a  man  :  and  though  he 
may  not  be  of  the  number  of  those  who  restrain 
prayer  before  God,  yet  afflictions  will  naturally 
make  the  prayer  of  such  a  man  more  earnest,  fer- 
vent, and  constant.  They  impart  life  and  ener- 
gy to  the  petitions  of  a  praying  man. 

Prayer  is  not  only  a  duty  expected  from  us 
by  God,  which  we  owe  in  recognition  of  the 
divine  sovereignty,  and  a  privilege  of  greater 
value  than  if  we  were  constituted  lords  of  the 
whole  earth  :  but  it  is  also  a  mean  by  which  we 
may  attain  those  mercies,  which  Infinite  Wisdom 
and  Goodness  knows  to  be  fittest  for  us.    By  this 


UNDER    AFFLICTIONS.  37 

mean,  we  may  be  sure  to  have  deliverance  or 
preservation,  if  useful  or  fit  for  us  :  or,  if  not, 
those  favors  and  condescensions  from  Almighty 
God,  which  are  better  than  deliverance  itself, 
viz.  Patience  and  content  with  the  divine  good 
pleasure ;  resignation  of  our  wills  to  Him  ;  sup- 
port under  our  weaknesses  and  despondencies; 
and  evidences  and  communications  of  His  love 
to  us  :  for  oftentimes,  amidst  the  deepest  afflic- 
tions and  calamities,  whether  public  or  private, 
God  does  vouchsafe,  as  a  return  to  earnest 
believing  prayer,  such  revelations  of  His  good- 
ness, such  irradiations  of  His  favor  and  love,  as 
a  man  would  not  exchange  for  all  the  external 
happiness  which  this  world  can  afford.  Fre- 
quently also  does  He  recompense  outward  losses 
and  troubles  with  a  far  greater  measure  of  the 
manifestations  of  His  favor,  than  the  afflicted 
person  ever  received  in  His  greatest  confluence 
of  external  advantages.  Yea,  it  is  even  possible, 
that  the  time  of  external  storms  and  troubles  is 
far  more  seasonable  for  such  returns  of  faithful 
and  humble  prayer,  than  the  time  of  external 
affluence  and  benefits  :  and  the  devotion  of  the 
soul  is  by  such  troubles  raised  to  a  greater  height, 
and  is  accompanied  with  more  grace,  humility, 
and  fervor,  than  is  ordinarily  to  be  found  in 
a  condition  of  external  peace,  plenty,  and 
serenity. 

Respecting   the    Privilege  and   Requisites  of 
Prayer,  see  Chapter  IH.  pp.  52 — 84.  infra. 

II.  Make  as  speedy  an  inquisition  as  thou  canst 
into  thine  otmi  state,  and  what  the  cause  of  this 
4 


38     COUNSELS  FOR  OUR  DEPORTMENT 

affliction  may  he ;  and  submit  thyself  to  it  with  all 
humility. 

"  Let  lis  search  and  try  our  ways"  (Lam.  iii. 
40.)  is  the  voice  of  every  affliction:  and,  com- 
monly, every  affliction,  which  befalls  a  person 
who  lies  under  any  sin  unrepented  of  and  not 
forsaken,  soon  leads  the  conscience  to  point  out 
that  sin.  \n  such  a  case,  most  afflictions  carry 
upon  them  the  very  inscription  of  the  sin,  and 
bear  some  analogy  or  proportion  to  it.  Thus, 
Adonibezek's  cruelty  and  David's  adultery  were 
in  a  manner,  written  in  the  punishments  which 
they  sui^ered,  and  might  easily  bring  them  to 
their  remembrance.  If  thou  sufferest  in  thy 
HEALTH,  consider  whether  thou  hast  not  been 
too  vain  of  thy  personal  beauty  and  strength.  If 
thou  sufferest  in  thy  estate,  consider  whether 
thou  hast  not  indulged  in  immoderate  worldliness, 
and  covetousness,  or  confidence  and  glory  in 
thy  wealth.  And  if  thou  sufferest  in  thy  name, 
consider  whether  thy  reputation  has  not  been 
thine  idol,  or  whether  thou  hast  not  borne  thyself 
too  high  upon  thy  reputation. 

If  upon  this  inquiry  thou  findest  sin  written 
upon  thy  sufferings,  or  at  the  bottom  of  them, 
then  speedily  repent  of  that  sin ;  humble  thyself 
in  the  sight  of  God  for  it,  and  take  up  a  resolu- 
tion against  it.  This  is  the  voice,  the  injunction 
which  the  rod  gives  thee ;  and  here  thy  special 
duty  is  humiliation.  On  the  other  hand,  if  upon 
an  impartial  scrutiny,  thou  findest  thy  heart  and 
conscience  clear  from  great  and  wasting  sins, 
humbly  bless  God   for   his  restraining  grace  in 


UNDER    AFFLICTIONS.  39 

preserving  thee  from  the  great  transgression. 
And  while  thou  humblest  thyself  for  thy  daily 
sins  of  omission,  for  thy  coldness  in  thy  devo- 
tions, for  thy  want  of  vigilance  over  thy  passions, 
and  thy  neglect  of  opportunities  of  doing  good ; 
regard  thy  present  affliction  as  a  dispensation  sent 
for  the  wisest  ends,  (though  thou  mayest  not  per- 
ceive any  enormity  in  thyself  which  may  deserve 
it,)  and  with  all  humility  and  lowliness  of  mind 
receive  and  submit  to  thine  affliction.  It  is  a  mes- 
sage sent  to  thee  by  the  most  wise  and  sovereign 
Lord  of  the  world,  though  it  may  be  delivered 
even  by  the  hands  of  a  most  vile  and  unworthy 
man.  It  may  be  designed  to  exercise  thy  pa- 
tience, thy  faith,  thy  dependence  upon  thy  God 
and  Father.  He  may  discern  that  some  temp- 
tation awaits  thee,  or  that  some  unperceived  cor- 
ruption is  growing  within  thee  :  and  He  in  mercy 
sends  this  messenger  to  divert  the  one  and  to 
prevent  the  other.  Study  therefore  to  improve 
this  affliction  to  that  end  ;  and  here  thy  special 
duty  is  patience  and  vigilance. 

If  however,  after  diligent  scrutiny,  thou  doest 
find  that  the  true  cause  of  thy  suffering  is  for 
righteousness-sake,  for  keeping  a  good  con- 
science, for  the  honor  of  thy  Redeemer,  and 
for  adhering  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus ;  then 
indeed  thy  sufferings  lose  the  name  and  nature  of 
an  affliction,  and  become  an  honor,  a  filling  up 
of  the  measure  of  thy  Saviour's  .  sufferings, — a 
suffering  which  has  not  only  a  blessing  in  it,  but 
which  is  a  very  blessing  in  itself:  for  blessed  are 
ye  when  men  persecute  you  for  righteousness- 
sake,  and   say  all  manner  of  evil   against  you 


40     COUNSELS  FOR  OUR  DEPORTMENT 

FALSELY  for  Chiist's  sake.  (Matt.  v.  9,  10.) 
But,  beware  that  thy  heart  deceive  thee  not,  and 
make  thee  believe  that  thou  art  suffering  for  a 
good  conscience,  when  perhaps  it  is  for  thy  folly 
or  thy  frowardness.  In  this  case,  although  those 
who  inflict  the  punishment  may  be  deficient  in 
charity  and  moderation  ;  yet  hast  thou  reason  to 
repent  for  thy  folly,  and  not  to  glory  in  thy  suf- 
fering. We  are  but  too  apt  to  think  well  of  our- 
selves, and  to  call  that  persecution,  which  is 
only  the  fruit  of  our  folly  and  inconsiderate 
rashness. 

III.  Receive  thine  afflictions  thankfully  as  well 
as  humhly. 

Know,  that  they  are  sent  from  the  most  wise 
and  merciful  God,  all  whose  dispensations  are 
intended  for  our  good.  He  may  design  thine 
afflictions  as  a  preventive  of  greater  mischief. 
They  may  be  designed  as  an  improvement  of  thy 
grace,  and  as  an  evidence  that  thou  art  one  of 
his  children  ;  to  wean  thee  from  the  world,  or  to 
prepare  thee  for  the  reception  of  a  greater  bless- 
ing, which  without  the  preparation  of  an  affliction 
might  make  thee  proud.  Or,  thine  afflictions  may 
be  designed  to  make  thee  an  example,  a  strength- 
ening to  others  ;  or  because  thy  good  things  are 
reserved  for  the  better  w^orld,  and  thine  evil 
things  are  dispensed  to  thee  here. 

We  have  many  grounds  of  thankfulness  to 
God,  in  seasons  of  affliction  :  as,  that  they  are  no 
worse  or  greater ;  and  that  though  thou  hast 
losses,  yet  thou  hast  not,  like  Job,  lost  all  at 
once.  Or,  if  thou  hast  lost  all  external  good 
things,  yet   hast  thou  not  something  infinitely 


UNDER    AFFLICTIONS.  41 

more  valuable  than  all  the  rest,  viz.  Innocence, 
Peace  with  God  througli  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  with  thine  own  conscience  ?  Be  thankful 
that  thy  Heavenly  Father  chooseth  to  afflict  thee 
rather  than  to  forsake  thee  ;  and  that  by  this  very 
chastisement  He  is  now  displaying  his  paternal 
affection ;  and  that,  were  He  to  withhold  this 
seasonable  and  useful  correction,  it  would  mark 
in  him  rather  the  neglect  of  a  stranger,  than  the 
well-judging  kindness  of  a  parent.  If  God  be 
thy  Father,  trust  His  wisdom,  because  He  is 
God  ;  and  trust  his  love,  because  He  is  thy 
Father  :  and  then  thou  canst  not  doubt,  that  any 
thing  which  He  sends  deserves  thy  thanks,  al- 
though thou  canst  not  at  present  see  wherein  the 
benefit  of  it  lies. 

'  We  cannot,  indeed,  be  pleased  with  affliction 
for  its  own  sake  :  but  Job  was  afflicted,  and  was 
he  not  thankful? — 'The  Lord  gave  and  the 
Lord  hath  taken  away ;'  and  what  then  1 
'Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord!'  Our  duty 
is  to  '  give  thanks  always  for  all  things'  (Eph. 
V.  20.) ;  for  things  painful  as  well  as  pleasing;  for 
things  dark  as  well  as  light;  for  things  perplexed 
as  well  as  plain  :  for  they  are  equally  under  the 
government  of  God,  the  direction  of  a  Heavenly 
Father;  the  management  and  disposal  of  infinite 
wisdom  and  love  !  And  not  only  so;  the  darkest 
dispensations  of  Providence,  the  severest  strokes 
of  adversity,  are  often  sent  for  the  most  salutary 
purposes:  they  are  frequently  found  to  answer 
the  most  valuable  ends.  What  think  you  ?  If 
the  afflictions  of  your  body  be  blessed  to  the  con- 
version of  your  soul,  have  you  not  cause  to  give 
4* 


42  COUNSELS    FOR    OUR    DEPORTMENT 

thanks  ?  If  the  trials  you  find  in  your  family, 
rouse  you  to  reflection  and  bring  you  into  the 
family  of  heaven,  have  you  not  leason  to  be 
thankful?  If  the  privations  you  meet  with  in  the 
world,  your  disappointments  in  trade,  the  long 
train  of  perplexing  occurrences,  which  you  could 
enumerate  with  much  feeling  and  many  tears ;  if 
all  these  be  sanctified  to  you,  to  restore  you  to 
your  right  mind,  to  bring  you  to  prayer,  to  hum- 
ble" you,  to  wean  you  from  the  world,  what  abun- 
dant cause  have  you  to  give  thanks !  ''* 

IV.  Bear  thine  affliction  patiently  and  quitily. 

Consider  that,  if  it  come  ior  thy  sins,  thou  hast 
reason  to  bear  it  patiently,  because  it  is  but  the 
fruit  of  thine  own  planting,  the  cropof  thine  own 
seed,  "  Why  doth  the  living  man  complain?  A 
man  for  the  punishment  of  his  sin?"  (Lam.  iii.  39.) 
Thou  hast  procured  it  to  thyself:  be  contented  to 
bear  the  consequences  of  having  followed  thine 
own  way.  At  the  same  time,  there  are  many 
alleviations  in  thy  peculiar  circumstances,  which 
are  calculated  to  induce  thee  to  the  patient  en- 
durance of  afflictions.  It  might  justly  have  been 
worse  and  more  severe,  than  it  actually  is:  and 
though  it  be  never  so  sharp,  it  may  be  that  the 
same  God  who  inflicted  or  permitted  it,  is  at 
this  instant  resolving  to  turn  thy  captivity,  to 
give  thee  beauty  for  ashes.  And  what  an  un- 
seemly thing  will  thy  impatience  be  ?  and  how 
troublesome  will  the  remembrance  of  it  be  to 
thy  soul,  upon  the  change  of  thy  condition.  Be- 
sides, should    thine  aflfliction   wait   upon  thee  to 

*Kidd's  Sermons,  vol.  i.  p.  184. 


UNDER    AFFLICTIONS.  43 

thy  dissolution ;  yet  it  is  but  a  night,  an  hour  of 
affliction,  that  will  terminate  with  thy  life,  which 
is  but  a  span;  and  then  the  day  will  dawn,  and 
thy  sun  will  arise,  and  thine  affliction  will  vanish 
and  never  return  again.  Further,  if  thou  re- 
ceivest  affliction  patiently  and  with  devout  sub- 
jection of  mind  to  the  dispensations  of  thy  mer- 
ciful Heavenly  Father,  who  does  not  willingly 
afflict  the  children  of  men,  it  will  not  only  shorten 
thine  affliction,  but  render  thy  burthen  more  easy 
and  tolerable.  Thy  Saviour  also  hath  consecrated 
to  thee  the  way  of  suffering,  and  hath  left  thee 
the  blessed  example  of  his  own  patience  and  sub- 
mission ;  and  though  his  most  innocent  human 
nature  shrunk  at  the  pre-apprehensions  of  the 
bitter  cup  of  suffering,  which  awaited  him,  yet 
he  meekly  resigned  his  will  to  his  Father.  "  Not 
my  2ciU — hut  thine  he  done  .'" — "  Christ  hath  suf- 
fered for  us,  leaving  us  an  example  that  ye  should 
FOLLOW  his  steps,  who  when  he  was  reviled,  re- 
viled not  again ;  when  he  suffered,  he  threatened 
not ;  but  committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth 
righteously."     (I  Pet.  ii.  21.-23.) 

V.  Endeavor  to  use  thine  affiiction  jyrojitahly. 

Earthly  parents  have  chastised  us  for  their 
pleasure:  but  *'the  father  of  spirits  chasteneth 
us  for  our  profit."  (Heb.  xii.  10.)  In  order 
therefore  that  thou  mayest  profit  by  afflictions, 
learn  by  them  to  form  a  just  estimate  of  the 
world,  (which  they  show  to  be — what  it  truly  is 
— a  vain,  empty  and  vexing  world  ;)  and  discipline 
thine  affections  to  a  moderate  and  loose  applica- 
tion to  it.  Keep  up  thine  heart  in  a  dependence 
upon  God's  power  and  all-sufficiency,  either  to 


44     COUNSELS  FOR  OUR  DEPORTMENT 

deliver  thee  from  affliction  or  to  support  thee 
under  it.  Above  all,  learn  from  thine  affiictions 
to  value  and  improve  thy  hope  and  assurance  of 
everlasting  life.  It  is  the  great  design  of  God  in 
sending  or  permitting  afflictions,  that  they  may 
prevent  us  from  clasping  this  present  world,  and 
thereby  carry  us  over  to  the  valuation  of  our 
eternal  condition.  "  Thy  wealth  is  gone  ;  thine 
honor  and  reputation  are  sunk  and  blasted  ;  thy 
friends  have  forsaken  thee  ;  thy  body  is  moulder- 
ing to  dust  and  rottenness,  and  thy  soul  sits  hov- 
ering upon  thy  lips  ready  to  take  her  flight  ;  and 
all  thy  hold  of  this  present  life  is  broken  and 
gone,  so  that  thou  now  hast  nothing  on  which 
thou  canst  fasten  thine  hopes,  but  the  promises  of 
everlasting  life,  thine  interest  in  Christ,  and  the 
hope  of  everlasting  life.  Now  therefore,  if  ever, 
these  things  will  be  welcome  to  thee.  God  hath 
scattered  and  broken  all  other  vain  confidences, 
improve  this  one  thing  necessary,  (which  alone 
standeth  by  thee  when  all  other  things  forsake 
thee,  and  will  accompany  thee  in  and  through 
death  itself;)  and  fix  in  thine  heart  such  a  value 
upon  this  blessed  hope,  which  hath  been  thy 
comfort  when  all  others  forsake  thee,  as  not  to 
let  go  thy  valuation  of  it,  though  thy  temporal 
prosperity  should  return  to  thee.' 

VI.  Wait  God's  leisure  for  thy  deliverance  out 
of  affiiction,  and  use  no  unlaicful  means  to  he 
delivered  from  it. 

Use  no  base  or  unworthy  compliances  with  the 
world  to  extricate  thyself:  for  that  will  either 
entangle  thee  worse,  or  at  least  add  guilt  to  thy 
sufferings.    Above  all,  avoid  that  accursed  tempt- 


UNDER    AFFLICTIONS.  4d 

ation  of  ridding  thyself  of  thy  troubles  by  putting 
an  end  to  thy  life  ;  for  thereby  thou  wilt  not  only 
be  guilty  of  extreme  folly  and  madness  in  ex- 
changing a  temporal  inconvenience  by  running 
the  hazard  of  eternal  misery  ;  but  thou  wilt  also 
be  guilty  of  an  act  of  open  rebellion  against  (iod, 
who  hath  sent  thee  these  afflictions,  and  hath 
made  it  thy  province,  thy  task,  and  thy  service, 
to  bear  them  with  patience  and  to  his  honor, 
until  he  deliver  thee.  Wait  God's  time  with 
prayer  and  patience,  and  be  assured  that  thou 
wilt  find  His  mercy  in  moderating  thy  afflictions, 
his  power  to  support  thee  under  them,  his  good- 
ness in  His  time  (which  is  always  the  best)  to 
deliver  thee  from  them,  and  his  bounty  to  reward 
thee  for  thy  patience  and  obedient  bearing  of 
them. 

VII.  Lastly,  If  thou  ivouldest  prevent  or  avoid 
very  many  afflictions^  mingle  as  little  as  thou  canst 
in  the  concerns  of  the  world,  its  honors,  places,  or 
advantages ;  unless  indeed  thou  art  lawfully  called 
and  duly  qualified  for  any  office  of  magistracy, 
honor,  or  public  employment.  In  that  case  it 
becomes  thy  duty  to  accept  of  such  office,  when 
thou  art  commanded  by  the  sovereign  power  to 
undertake  it,  and  to  discharge  it  faithfully  for  the 
public  good  of  mankind.  Then,  shouldest  thou 
meet  with  any  trials  or  difficulties  in  the  proper 
execution  of  thine  office,  thou  wilt  have  no  reason 
to  blame  thyself.  The  sovereign  power  that 
commanded  thee  to  undertake  such  office,  will 
be  thy  support  in  the  discharge  of  it.  When, 
however,  thou  art  drawn  into  the  scuffle  or 
entanglements  of  the  world,  whether  by  inad- 


46  OUR   DUTY    ON    DELIVERANCE 

vertency  or  importunity,  get  out  of  them  as  soon 
as  thou  canst,  safely,  fairly,  and  honestly ;  lest 
thou  hazard  thy  conscience,  or  meet  with  diffi- 
culties and  vexations,  which  in  such  case  would 
rather  be  the  consequences  of  thy  folly  and  in- 
considerate adventure,  than  true  affliction. 


SECTION  III. 


ON  THE  DUTT  OF  THOSE  WHO  HAVE  BEEN  DELIVERED 
FROM  AFFLICTIONS. 


What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits 
towards  me  ? 

I  will  offer  to  thee  the  sacrifice   of  Thanksgiving,  and 
will  call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Psalm  cxvi.  12.  17; 


The  preceding  considerations  having  exhibited 
the  conduct  to  be  pursued  under  afflictions,  for 
our  due  improvement  of  them  to  the  end  for 
which  they  are  sent  by  our  Heavenly  Father ; — 
it  now  only  remains  that  we  offer  a  few  counsels 
relative  to  the  temper  and  disposition  of  mind 
which  it  becomes  us  to  cherish,  after  our  deliv- 
erance from  afflictions. 

I.  Accept  of  thy  deliverance  with  all  thank- 
fulness to  God,  and  humility  in  thyself. 

Acknowledge  Him  to  be  the  Author  of  it  ; 
attribute  it  wholly  to  His  goodness  and  mercy. 
Think  not  that  thou  art  delivered  on  account  of 


FROM    AFFLICTIONS.  47 

thy  worth  or  desert ;  for  any  one  sin,  that  ever 
thou  committest,  would  detain  tliee  everlastingly 
under  the  severest  affliction.  Think  not  that  thy 
affliction  hath  expiated  thy  demerit,  and  that 
thou  owest  thy  deliverance  to  the  satisfaction 
that  is  made  by  thy  suffering;  for,  most  certainly, 
the  greatest  affliction  under  heaven  cannot  satisfy 
for  the   least    transgression  ;  nothing  but  the 

BLOOD  OF  THE  SoN  OF  GoD  CAN  COUNTERVAIL 
THE  WEIGHT  OF    THE     LEAST     SIN    AGAINST     GoD. 

Think  not  that  thy  deliverance  is  due  to  thy  wit, 
or  friends,  or  interest ;  for  though  God  is  pleased 
to  use  the  intervention  of  means,  yet  He  admin- 
istered those  means,  and  made  them  effectual, 
otherwise  they  would  have  been  unprofitable. 
As  God  sends  afflictions,  to  evidence  his  power, 
wisdom,  and  sovereignty  ;  so  He  sends  deliver- 
ance to  manifest  his  goodness  and  bounty ;  and 
he  tribute,  which  He  most  justly  expects  for  the 
same  is  but  easy  and  reasonable  ; — "  Call  upon 
me  in  the  day  of  trouble  and  I  will  deliver  thee  ; 
and  THOU  shalt  glorify  me."     (Psal.  1.  15.) 

II.  Endeavor  to  express  thy  thankfulness  by  a 
sincere  and  faithful  obedience  to  that  God,  who 
hath  thus  delivered  thee. 

Do  not  forget  the  time  of  thy  trouble,  and  the 
promises  and  engagements  which  thou  didst  then 
make.  A  truly  thankful  mind  will  not 
content  itself  with  merely  verbal  praises  and 
acknowledgments  ;  but  will  study  and  endeavor 
to  find  out  and  do  all  that  may  be  well-pleasing 
and  acceptable  to  his  Great  Benefactor.  A  man, 
who  has  received  great  and  signal  mercies  and 
deliverances,  becomes  a  great  and  efficacious  ex- 


48  OUR    DUTY    ON     DELIVERANCE 

ample  of  much  good  or  much  evil,  according  as 
he  conducts  himself  after  eminent  mercies  re- 
ceived. If  he  become  more  pious,  virtuous,  just, 
and  sober  than  before,  he  becomes  a  forcible 
motive  and  engagement  to  others  to  be  like  him ; 
on  the  other  hand,  if  he  degenerate  into  impiety, 
vanity,  or  sin,  he  discourages  goodness,  and  be- 
comes a  great  temptation  to  others  to  be  like 
him. 

III.  Take  heed  lest,  after  great  deliverance,  thy 
heart  he  lifted  up  into  presumption  upon  God,  or 
into  pride  and  vain  glory,  and  a  conceit  of  thine 
oion  goodness  and  ivorth. 

This  is  the  common  temptation  which  grows 
much  upon  mercy  received  ;  and  therefore  Moses 
cautioned  the  Israelites  not  to  cherish  the  vain 
notion  that  God  cast  out  the  nations  of  Canaan 
from  before  them,  on  account  of  their  righteous- 
ness, but  for  the  wickedness  of  those  nations  and 
in  performance  of  his  promise  to  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob.  (Deut.  ix.  4 — 6.)  Let  thine  afflictions 
find  thee  humble  and  make  thee  more  humble  ; 
but  let  thy  deliverance  increase  thine  humility. 
The  more  mercy  God  shews  thee,  the  more 
humble  let  thine  heart  be  ;  because  thou  must 
expect  that  the  temptations  and  assaults  of  pride 
and  vain  glory  will  be  most  busy  with  thee.  Be 
very  watchful  therefore  over  thyself,  and  remem- 
ber thy  Saviour's  counsel,  "  Sin  no  more,  lest  a 
worse  thing  come  unto  thee.''  (John  v.  14.)  As 
a  means  of  keeping  thee  from  pride  and  pre- 
sumption, call  to  mind  those  sins  which  did  most 
trouble    and  disquiet  thee  in  the  time  of  thine 


FROM     AFFLICTIONS.  49 

adversity.     Renew  ihy  repentance  for  them,  and 
take  special  care  to  avoid  relapses  into  them. 

IV.  Let  the  remembrance  of  thy  past  misery,  and 
of  thy  present  mercy,  make  thee  more  anxiously 
solicitons  to  keep  up  thy  interest  and  {if  it  he  not 
too  hold  a  ivord)  thy  Jriendship  icith  God. 

He  was  thy  support  in  thine  affliction  and 
He  was  thy  deliverer  out  of  thine  affliction  ;  let 
iiratitiide  bind  thee  to  it,  as  He  was  thy  benefac- 
tor ;  and  let  prudence  bind  thee  to  it,  for  thou 
knowest  not  how  soon  thou  mayest  have  the 
same  necessity  again  ;  and  where  canst  thou  find 
such  a  friend  ?  Every  mercy  thou  receivest  calls 
for  more  humility,  more  thankfulness,  more 
heavenly-mindedness,  more  charity,  more  devo- 
tedness,  and  self-denial,  more  sanctity,  and  more 
jealousy  for  the  honor  of  God  ;  Oh  !  keep  thy 
God  thy  friend  ;  for  most  certain  it  is,  that  thou 
wilt  have  occasion  to  use  him  again,  and  thou 
knowest  not  how  soon.  Keep  thine  interest  in 
Him,  and  estrange  not  thyself  from  him  in  thy 
recovery,  without  whom  thou  canst  not  do  in 
thine  afflictions. 

V.  Beware  that,  after  deliverance  from  afflic' 
tions,  thou  be  not  secure. 

Think  not,  with  Agag,  "  Surely  the  bitterness 
of  Death  is  past."  (1  Sam.  xv.  32.)  When  one 
affliction  is  past,  hold  thyself  in  readiness  for  an- 
other conflict.  Skilful  mariners,  after  weathering 
out  a  storm,  immediately  repair  the  ship  and 
tackling,  that  they  may  be  able  to  ride  out  an- 
other tempest.  Thus  should  we  prepare  our- 
selves for  the  storms  of  trials  and  temptations. 
o 


50  OUR    DUTY    ON    DELIVERANCE 

In  like  manner,  be  thou  watchful  and  stand  upon 
thy  guard :  for  thou  hast  sins  and  corruptions 
within  thee,  which  (if  thou  art  not  watchful) 
may  surprise  thee,  and  raise  new  storms.  Be- 
sides thou  hast  watchful  enemies  without  thee, 
— evil  men  and  evil  angels  that  envy  thee  the 
more  because  thou  hast  escaped.  So  long  as 
thou  livest  in  the  world,  thy  condition  is  uncer- 
tain and  unstable;  and,  if  there  were  nothing 
else  to  make  thee  watchful,  yet  be  assured  that 
the  hour  of  sickness  and  the  hour  of  death  will 
overtake  thee  ;  and  that  is  an  hour  of  affliction, 
for  which  thou  must  always  prepare,  lest  it  over- 
take thee  unawares. 

VI.  Finally,  Cherish  the  remembrance  of  past 
deliverances  from  affliction,  as  a  means  of  per- 
Ijetuating  thy  gratitude,  obedience,  and  watchful- 
ness. 

When  men  have  experienced  any  unexpected 
deliverance,  they  commonly  have  a  quick  and 
lively  apprehension  of  it,  which  produces  cor- 
responding purposes  of  obedience,  gratitude,  and 
watchfulness.  But,  in  process  of  time,  as  the 
remembrance  of  the  deliverance  gradually  de- 
cays and  becomes  weaker,  so  do  their  good  pur- 
poses become  more  and  more  faint,  until  at 
length  the  affliction  and  the  deliverance  are 
equally  forgotten.  Therefore,  to  prevent  such 
a  declension  in  thy  soul,  keep  thy  afflictions  and 
thy  deliverances  fresh  in  thy  memory,  by  having 
recourse  to  writing,  or  some  other  expedient, 
which  may  frequently  remind  thee  of  them  with 
all  their  circumstances.  Mention  them  often  ; 
recollect   them   often,  and  recollect  what  were 


FROM    AFFLICTIONS. 


51 


thy  thoughts,  purposes,  and  temper  of  mind  and 
spirit,  when  thy  afflictions  were  upon  thee,  or 
thy  deliverances  were  newly  vouchsafed  to  thee  ; 
and  reason  thyself  into  the  same  temper  and 
habit  of  thankfulness,  which  thou  didst  then 
cherish.  By  thus  keeping  the  memory  of  these 
afflictions  and  these  deliverances  fresh  under  all 
their  circumstances,  thou  wilt  with  them,  and  in 
the  same  degree  as  thy  remembrance  of  them 
is  lively,  revive  and  excite,  and  preserve  and 
keep  alive  the  same  gratitude,  the  same  obe- 
dience, the  same  humility,  the  same  solicitude 
to  preserve  thine  interest  with  God,  and  the 
same  vigilance,  which  these  afl!lictions  or  these 
deliverances  wrought  in  thee,  when  they  were 
fresh  with  thee  or  upon  thee.  The  vigorous 
perpetuating  of  the  remembrance  of  them,  will 
be  an  effectual  means  to  perpetuate  the  due  fruit 
of  them  in  their  life,  vigor,  and  intention. 


Through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  life. 

In  trouble  and  in  joy, 
The  praises  of  my  God  shall  still 

My  heart  and  tongue  employ. 

Of  His  deliverance  I  will  boast 

Till  all  that  are  distress'd 
From  my  example  comfort  take, 

And  charm  their  griefs  to  rest. 

O  magnify  the  Lord  with  me, 

With  me  exalt  His  name  ; 
When  in  distress  to  him  I  call'd, 

He  to  my  rescue  came. 


52  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

O  make  but  trial  of  His  love, 

Experience  will  decide, 
How  blest  are  they,  and  only  they, 

Who  in  his  truth  confide. 

Psalm  xxxiv.  1 — 3.  8. 


CHAPTER    III. 


ON    THE    PRIVILEGE    AND    DUTY    OF    PRAYER,    ESPE- 
CIALLY   IN    SEASONS     OF     AFFLICTION. 


A  soul  IN  COMMERCE  WITH  HER  GOD,  is  heaven  ! 

Prayer  ardent  opens  heaven,  lets  down  a  stream 

Of  glory  on  the  consecrated  hour 

Of  man,  in  audience  with  the  Deity. 

Who  worships  the  Great  God,  that  instant  joins 

The  first  in  heaven,  and  sets  his  foot  on  hell. 

Young. 


Of  all  the  duties  and  privileges  of  the  Chris- 
tian Life,  Prayer  is  unquestionably  the  most 
important.  It  is  the  very  soul  of  all  true  Reli- 
gion, and  the  channel  through  which  God  ordi- 
narily confers  his  grace  upon  us.  It  is  the  key 
of  the  treasures  of  heaven,  and  the  surest  way 
to  obtain  peace  of  mind  ;  and  since  it  is  put  into 
our  hands,  we  have  no  longer  to  deplore  our  in- 
digence. At  the  same  time,  it  is  an  act  of  grace 
and  highest  honor,  that  we — dust  and  ashes — 
are  admitted  to  speak  to  the  Eternal  God,  to  run 


IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER.  53 

to  Hira,  as  to  a  Father,  to  lay  open  our  wants  and 
to  complain  of  our  burthens.  Nothing  can  sup- 
ply the  absence  of  prayer.  In  vain  are  we  sur- 
rounded with  all  the  means  of  salvation; — in 
vain  is  our  weakness  strengthened  by  every  pos- 
sible support, — instructions,  examples,  counsels, 
devotional  reading,  meditation,  and  the  divinely 
instituted  means  of  grace,  especially  the  partici- 
pation of  those  holy  mysteries  which  our  Master 
and  only  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  hath  ordained  as 
pledges  of  His  Love,  to  our  great  and  endless 
comfort.  With  all  these  means  together,  if  we 
live  in  the  habitual  disregard  of  prayer — or  if 
our  prayers  be  faint  and  feeble — we  must  remain 
in  all  the  moral  languor  of  our  fallen  nature.  We 
may  have  frequent  conversation  with  men  of 
eminent  zeal  and  piety ;  but  man  can  speak  only 
to  the  mind  of  man,  It  is  God  alone,  who  speaks 
to  the  heart,  \yhen  supplicated  aright  in  prayer. 
We  may,  by  reading,  acquire  a  conviction  of 
some  truths ;  prayer  alone  imparts  to  us  the 
sense  and  love  of  those  truths.  We  may  partake 
of  the  supper  of  the  Lord  ;  but  prayer  alone  can 
prepare  us  for  a  right  participation  of  it,  and  secure 
to  us  its  benefits. 

There  is  no  duty  more  strongly  recommended 
to  us  in  the  Word  of  God.  "  I  will  " — we  there 
read — "  I  will  that  men  pray  every  where,  con- 
tinuing instant  in  prayer;  praying  always  with 
all  prayer  and  supplication.  Pray  without  ceas- 
ing." (I  Tim.  ii.  8.  Rom.  xii.  12.  Eph.  vi.  18. 
1  Thess.  v.  17.)  But  the  constancy,  with  which 
our  Saviour  practised  this  duty,  especially   gives 

us  a  high  idea  of  its  importance ;  since  we  see 

5* 


54  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

Him,  notwithstanding  the  continual  fatigues  of 
his  life,  take  from  the  hours  allotted  to  repose, 
the  time  which  was  necessary  for  this  holy  em- 
ployment, and  even  prevent  the  dawn  of  day,  in 
order  that  he  might  give  himself  unto  prayer, 
far  removed  from  the  course  of  the  multitudes 
which  ordinarily  pressed  upon  his  steps.  "  In 
the  morning,  rising  up  a  great  while  before  day, 
Jesus  went  out  and  departed  into  a  solitary 
place,  and  there  prayed."  (Mark  i.  35.)  In  thus 
seizing  every  opportunity  of  pouring  out  his  soul 
before  God,  our  Lord  has  left  us  an  example 
that  we  should  follow  his  steps.  It  is  not,  indeed, 
required  of  us,  that  we  should  spend  whole  nights 
in  prayer,  for  that  would,  in  all  probability,  render 
us  unfit  for  prosecuting  the  duties  of  our  proper 
callings  on  the  following  day.  But  we  are  ex- 
horted to  continue  perseveringly  in  prayer,  and 
to  watch  thereunto  with  thanksgiving  (Eph.  vi. 
IS.)  ;  and,  the  more  nearly  we  can  approach  to 
the  example  of  our  Divine  Redeemer,  in  the 
frequency  and  urgency  of  our  supplications,  the 
more  remarkable  will  be  the  answers  we  shall 
receive ;  and  the  more  abundant  will  be  the 
communications  of  divine  grace  to  our  souls. 

Our  salvation,  doubtless,  was  the  principal  ob- 
ject of  the  Redeemer's  prayers  ;  though  we  learn 
from  various  passages  of  the  New  Testament, 
that  Jesus  Christ  also  sought  for  himself  those  con- 
solations and  that  support,  which  are  obtained  by 
prayer.  (x\Iatt.  xxvi.  39.  John  xii.  27.  Heb.  v.  7.) 
If  then  the  Son  of  God  did  not  neglect  to  seek 
aid,  so  long  as  he  contiicted  with  the  contradic- 
tion of  sinners  against  himself,  while  clothed  with 


IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER.  55 

the  innocent  infirmities  of  our  nature  ; — poor, 
feeble  sinners  as  we  are, — how  much  greater 
need  have  we  to  '*  pray  without  ceasing !  " 


SECTION   I. 

ON  THE  NATURE   AND   IMPORTANCE   OF   PRAYER. — MO- 
TIVES AND  ENCOURAGEMENTS  TO  PRAYER. 

I.  *'  Prayer,"  it  has  been  remarked  with  equal 
piety  and  eloquence,  "  is  the  application  of  want 
to  Him  alone  who  can  relieve  it,  the  voice  of 
sin  to  Him  alone  who  can  pardon  it.  It  is  the 
urgency  of  poverty,  the  prostration  of  humility, 
the  fervency  of  penitence,  the  confidence  of  trust. 

It  is  the  devout   breathing  of  a  creature, 

struck  with  a  sense  of  its  own  misery,  and  of  the 
infinite  holiness  of  Him  whom  it  is  addressing  ; 
experimentally  convinced  of  its  own  emptiness, 
and  of  the  abundant  fulness  of  God,  of  His 
readiness  to  hear,  of  His  power  to  help,  of  His 
willingness  to  save.  It  is  not  an  emotion  pro- 
duced in  the  senses,  nor  an  effect  wrought  in 
the  imagination ;  but  a  determination  of  the 
will,  an  effusion  of  the  heart."*  It  is  not  a 
mere  conception  in  the  mind,  or  an  eflTort  of  the 
tongue :  it  requires  the  heart  rather  than  the 
tongue.  The  eloquence  of  prayer  consists  not 
in  studied  and  vehement  appeals,  nor  in  the  well- 
chosen  words  of  man's  devisinor  •  though   forms 


*  Mrs.  Moore's  Spirit  of  Prayer,  p.  1' 


66  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

OF      PRAYER     WILL    NEVER    BE    UNDERVALUED    BY 

THE  REFLECTING  BELIEVER  ;  at  the  Same  time, 
words  will  be  of  no  avail,  unless  the  feelings  of 
our  heart  either  dictate  or  accompany  them. 
*'  God  hears  us  not  the  sooner  for  our  many 
words,  but  much  sooner  for  our  earnest  desire." 
Our  confidence  must  spring  from  God's  work  in 
us,  not  from  our  words  to  God. 

The  OBJECT  of  prayer  is,  not  to  communicate 
unto  God  the  knowledge  of  our  wants  :  but  to 
impress  man  with  the  conviction  of  his  wretch- 
edness, to  humble  his  spirit,  to  stir  up  his  de- 
sires, kindle  his  faith,  animate  his  hope,  and 
elevate  his  soul  to  heaven,  his  country,  the 
dwelling-place  of  his  Father.  "There  is  no 
doubt  but  God  always  knoweth  what  we  have 
need  of,  and  is  always  most  ready  to  give  abund- 
ance of  those  things  that  we  lack.  Yet,  to  the 
intent  that  we  mio;ht  acknowledge  Him  to  be 
the  giver  of  all  good  things,  and  behave  our- 
selves towards  Him  thankfully  in  that  behalf, 
loving,  fearing,  and  worshipping  Him,  sincerely 
and  truly  as  we  ought  to  do ;  He  hath  profitably 
and  wisely  ordained  that,  in  time  of  necessity, 
we  should  humble  ourselves  in  his  sight,  pour 
out  the  secrets  of  our  heart  before  Him,  and 
crave  help  at  his  hands,  with  continual,  earnest, 
and  devout  prayer."* 

II.  Such  being  the  nature  of  prayer,  its  para- 
mount I3IPORTANCE  will  appear  from  the  fact, 
that  it  is  indispensably  necessary  to  our  happi- 
ness :    for    man    possesses — and    can    possess — 

*  Homily  concerning  Prayer. 


IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER.  57 

nothing  without  prayer :    while   every  thing  of 
which  we  stand  in  need  is  attainable  by  prayer. 

I.  This  privilege — this  duty — is  indispensa- 
ble to  our  happiness  ;  for  the  nature  of  things, 
experience,  and  the  word  of  God,  all  concur  to 
prove  that  we  have,  and  can  have,  nothing  of 
which  we  stand  in  need,  without  prayer. 

[i.]  The  nature  of  things  attests  this 
truth.  God  is  the  source  of  life.  Every  thing 
which  his  creatures  enjoy,  is  derived  from  Him 
alone.  He  alone  preserves  them  by  providing  for 
each  its  appropriate  sustenance.  He  commands 
the  earth,  and  it  produces  food  for  terrestrial 
beings.  The  plants  of  the  fields,  the  animals 
that  roam  the  forests,  yea  man  himself,  so  far  as 
respects  his  frail  and  perishable  body,  all  derive 
from  the  bosom  of  the  earth,  or  from  its  produc- 
tions, that  support  which  is  necessary  for  them. 
But  the  rational  and  immortal  soul  does  not  live 
upon  those  earthly  aliments.  Truth  and  righte- 
ousness are  the  sustenance  after  which  the  soul 
hungers  and  thirsts,  as  soon  as  it  learns  to  know 
its  true  interest.  Where  then  can  the  soul  seek 
that  sustenance,  unless  it  seeks  it  by  prayer 
from  the  Author  and  Giver  of  every  good  and 
every  perfect  gift  ?  As  a  plant  spreads  its  roots 
deep  into  the  earth,  in  order  that  it  may  thence 
derive  nutritious  sap  : — or,  as  the  flower  opens 
its  calix  to  the  rays  of  the  sun  and  to  the  re- 
freshing dew  ; — so  does  the  soul,  bv  prayer, 
enter  into  communion  with  the  source  of  all 
grace,  and  places  itself  under  the  mighty  influ- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  But  the  soul, 
that  never  prays,  deprives  itself  of  that  sancti- 


58  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

fying  communion  :  it  rejects  tliat  sustenance 
■which  is  necessary  to  its  spiritual  existence : 
and  like  a  plant  torn  up  by  the  roots  and  aban- 
doned to  the  winds,  can  only  be  tossed  about  in 
the  vortex  of  worldly  affairs,  and  by  its  violent 
passions. 

[ii.]  In  the  next  place,  interrogate  experi- 
ence upon  this  point. 

Not  only  does  experience  demonstrate  our 
utter  inability  to  extricate  ourselves  from  the 
misery  of  our  state  by  nature  :  but  it  also  con- 
vinces us  that  we  cannot  continue  in  a  state  of 
grace  without  prayer.  The  reader  has  perhaps 
seen  with  astonishment  one,  who  seemed  to  have 
"  escaped  the  pollutions  of  the  world  through 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  suffer  himself  to  become  again  entangled 
therein  :  "  so  that  he  is  now  seen  sitting  in  the  seat 
of  the  scornful,  abandoning  himself  to  their  un- 
godly joy,  and  even  surpassing  them  in  their  ex- 
cesses. Such  a  strange  and  surprising  change 
seems  to  be  not  only  inconceivable  but  unaccount- 
able. But  question  that  miserable  man.  Endea- 
vor to  learn  from  him,  whether  he  has  daily  im- 
plored succor  from  on  high  :  and  you  will  find 
that  God  did  not  give  him  up  to  all  the  depravity 
of  his  heart,  until  he  had  broken  off  all  inter- 
course with  heaven  by  ceasing  to  pray. 

We  need  not,  however,  have  recourse  to  such 
awful  examples  as  these :  we  appeal  to  the 
reader's  own  personal  experience.  When  have 
you  felt  your  faith  become  weak,  your  zeal 
relax,  your  love  become  almost  extinct  ?  When 
have  you  felt  a  distaste  for  the  bread  of  heaven  ? 


IMPORTANCE    OP   PRAYER.  59 

When  have  you  cast  a  fond  lingering  look  behind 
you  at  the  world  and  its  fleeting  pleasures  ? 
Has  it  been  when  you  have  been  faithful  to  the 
duly  and  the  privilege  of  prayer  ?  Rather,  has 
it  not  been,  when  you  have  been  lax  in  the  prac- 
tice of  that  holy  duty,  and  begun  to  feel  luke- 
warm and  indifferent  to  it  ?  Were  every  one 
carefully  to  examine  into  the  causes  of  his  little 
progress  in  "  knowledge  and  in  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,"  he  would  be  constrained  to 
acknowledge  that  all  the  spiritual  coldness  and 
want  of  faith,  which  he  professes  to  deplore,  is 
solely  to  be  ascribed  to  the  neglect  of  prayer. 

[iii.]  Be  not,  however,  surprised  at  these  fatal 
consequences  of  negligence  in  prayer,  for  the 
evidence  of  experience  is  confirmed  by  the  ex- 
plicit testimonies  of  the  Word  of  God.  The 
Holy  Scriptures  shew  us,  that  we  must  necessari- 
ly receive  every  thing  from  the  mere  bounty  of  God. 
What,  indeed,  do  we  possess,  of  ourselves  ?  What 
spiritual  good  can  we  acquire,  of  ourselves? 

Reader  !  art  thou  desirous  of  the  knowledge 
OF  THE  TRUTH  1 — Pray. — So  did  David  ;  "  O  ! 
send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth  :  let  them  lead 
me.  In  Thy  light  shall  we  see  light."  (Psal. 
xliii.  2.  xxxvi.  9.)  The  only  channel  (an  apostle 
teaches  us),  by  which  we  can  obtain  this  light 
from  God,  is  prayer.  "  If  any  man  lack  wisdom, 
let  him  ask  of  God,  and  it  shall  be  given  to  him." 
(James  i.  5.) 

Dost  thou  want  more  faith  ? — Pray.  The 
Scripture  teach^  us  that  "  faith  is  the  gift  of  God ; " 
and  the  apostles  of  our  Redeemer  hath  shewn  us 
by  their  example,  that,  in  order  that  we  may  be 


60  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

enriched  with  this  precious  treasure,  it  must  be 
sought  by  prayer.  "  Lord  !  "  said  they , "  increase 
our  faith."  (xvii.  5.) 

Dost  thou  feel  the  necessity  of  a  change  op 
HEART? — Pray.  So  did  holy  David,  who  ear- 
nestly supplicated  God  for  this  grace.  "  Create 
in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God  ;  and  renew  a  right 
spirit  within  me."     (Psal.  li.  10.) 

Dost  thou  need  strength  lest  thou  shouldest 
be  weary  of  well-doing  ? — Pray.  So  did  Paul 
the  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ.  He  besought  the 
Lord  to  grant  the  believers  at  Colossae  that 
strength,  which  no  man  can  find  in  himself. 
*'  We  do  not  cease,"  said  he  "  to  pray  for  you 
that  ye  might  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all 
pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and 
increasing  in  the  knowledge  of  God."  (Col.  i. 
9,10.') 

Is  thy  soul  cast  down  within  thee  ? — 
Pray.  So  did  David,  "  the  sweet  psalmist  of  Isra- 
el, by  whom  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  spake."  (2 
Sam.  xxiii.  1,2.)  "  The  sorrows  of  hell  compas- 
sed me  about :  the  snares  of  death  prevented  me. 
In  my  distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried 
unto  my  God  :  O  Lord  !  I  beseech  Thee,  deliver 
my  soul.  He  heard  my  voice  out  of  his  temple, 
and  my  cry  came  before  him."  (Psal.  xviii.  5,  6, 
cxvi.  3,  4.)  And  a  greater  than  David — Jesus 
Christ — "  in  the  days  of  his  flesh  offered  up 
prayers  and  supplications  with  strong  crying  and 
tears  unto  him  that  was  able  to  save  him  from 
death,  and  was  heard  in  that  he  feared."  (Heb. 
V.  7.) 

"  Art  thou  cast  down  upon  thy  sick  bed? 


IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER.  61 

Call  for  the  elders  of  the  Church,  and  let  them 
PRAY.  (James  v.  14.)  This  was  Hezekiah's 
recipe,  when  he  was '  sick  unto  death  ;  He  turned 
his  face  to  the  wall,  and  prayed.'  (2  Kings  xx. 
1,  2.)  This  was  David's  recipe  :  '  Have  mercy 
on  me,  O  Lord,  for  I  am  weak.  O  Lord,  heal 
me  :  for  my  bones  are  vexed.'     (Psal.  vi.  2.) 

"  Art  thou  infested  with  importunate  tempt- 
ations ? — Pray.  So  did  St.  Paul,  when  the 
messenger  of  Satan  was  sent  to  buffet  him. 
*  Thrice  I  besought  the  Lord,  that  it  might  de- 
part from  me.'  (2  Cor.  xii.  8.)  So  did  David. 
'  While  I  suffer  thy  terrors  I  am  distracted.  Thy 
fierce  wrath  goeth  over  me.  But  unto  Thee  have 
I  cried,  O  Lord  ;  and  in  the  morning  shall  my 
prayer  prevent  Thee.'  (Psal.  Ixxxviii.  15,  16. 
V.  13.) 

Art  thou  afflicted  with  the  slanders  of  evil 
TONGUES? — Pray.  So  did  David.  '  The  mouth 
of  the  wicked  and  the  mouth  of  the  deceitful  are 
opened  against  me  :  the}'  have  spoken  against  me 
with  a  lying  tongue. — Hold  not  Thy  peace,  O 
God  of  my  praise.'     (Psal.  cix.  2,  1.) 

"  Art  thou  distressed  with  poverty  1 — Pray. 
So  did  David.  '  I  am  poor  and  needy,  and  my 
heart  is  wounded  within  me.  Help  me,  O  Lord 
my  God,  according  to  thy  mercy.'  (Psal.  cix. 
22.  26.) 

"  Art  thou  bereaved  of  thy  bodily  senses  ? — 
Make  thy  address  to  him  that  said,  '  Who  hath 
made  man's  mouth,  or  who  maketh  the  dumb, 
and  the  deaf,  or  the  seeing,  or  the  blind  ?  Have 
not  I,  the  Lord? '  Exod.  iv.  11.)  Cry  aloud  to 
him  with  Bartimseus — *  Lord !  that  I  may  re- 
6 


tXi  IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 

ceive  my  sight.'  (Matt.  x.  47.  51.)  And  if  thou 
be  hopeless  of  thine  outward  sight,  yet  pray  with 
the  Psalmist — *  O  Lord  !  open  thou  mine  eyes 
that  I  may  see  the  wondrous  things  of  thy  law.' 
(Psal.  cxix.  18.) 

Dost  thou  droop  under  the  grievances  of  old 
age  ? — Pray.  So  did  David.  '  O  !  cast  me 
not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age  :  forsake  me  not 
when  my  strength  faileth.  O  God  !  Thou  hast 
taught  me  from  my  youth  ;  now  also,  when  I  am 
old  and  grey-headed,  O  God,  forsake  me  not.' 
(Psal.  Ixxi.  9.  17,  18.) 

"  Art  thou  troubled  with  the  fears  of  death? 
—Pray.  So  did  David.  'My  soul  is  full  of 
trouble,  and  my  life  draweth  nigh  unto  the  grave. 
I  am  counted  with  them  that  go  down  into  the 
pit.  r  am  as  a  man  that  hath  no  strength.  Free 
among  the  dead,  thou  hast  laid  me  in  the  lowest 
pit,  in  darkness,  in  the  deeps.  But  unto  Thee 
have  I  cried,  O  Lord  :  and  in  the  morning  shall 
my  prayer  prevent  Thee.'  (Psal.  Ixxxviii.  3 — 6. 
13.) 

"  Dost  thou  tremble  at  the  thought  of  judg- 
ment ? — So  did  the  man  after  God's  own  heart. 
*  My  flesh  trembleth  for  fear  of  Thee,  and  I  am 
afraid  of  Thy  judgments.'  (Psal.  cxix.  20.)  Look 
up,  with  .Jeremiah,  and  say  to  thy  Saviour — '  O 
Lord  !  Thou  hast  pleaded  the  causes  of  my  soul ; 
thou  hast  redeemed  my  life  ;  O  Lord,  judge  Thou 
my  cause.'     (Lam.  iii.  58,  59.) 

"  Art  thou  afraid  of  the  power,  malice,  sub- 
tlety of  thy  spiritual  enemies  1 — Pray.  So  did 
David.  '  Deliver  me  from  mine  enemies,  O  my 
God  ;  save  me  from  them  that  rise  up  against  me. 


IMPORTANCE    OF    PRAYER. 


63 


(Psal.  lix.  1.)  O  hide  me  from  the  secret  counsel 
of  the  wicked.  (Psal.  Ixiv.  2.)  Consider  mine  ene- 
mies :  for  they  are  many  and  they  hate  me  with 
a  cruel  hatred.  O  keep  my  soul,  and  deliver  me.' 
(Psal.  XXV.  19,20.)  So  did  St.  Paul  pray  that 
he  might  be  freed  from  the  messenger  of  Satan 
whose  buffets  he  felt,  and  was  answered  with, 
'  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.'  (2  Cor.  xii.  9.) 
So  he  sues  for  all  God's  Saints — '  May  the  God  of 
peace  tread  down  Satan  under  your  feet  shortly.' 
(Rom.  xvi.  20.) 

''  Whatever  evil,"  in  fine,  '^  it  be  that  presseth 
thy  soul,  have  speedy  recourse  to  the  throne  of 
grace  ;  pour  out  thy  heart  into  the  ears  of  '  the 
Father  of  all  mercies  and  God  of  all  comfort ;' 
and  be  sure,  if  not  redress,  yet  of  ease.  We 
have  His  word  for  it,  that  cannot  fail  us :  '  Call 
upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  I  will  deliver 
thee  ;  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.'  (Psal.  1.  15.)"* 

Is  it  necessary  to  adduce  further  testimonies 
to  the  importance  and  necessity  of  praying  al- 
ways with  all  supplication  ?  Know  that  "  Every 
good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above, 
and  Cometh  down  from  the  Father  of  Lights, 
who  giveth  unto  all  men  liberally  and  upbraideth 
not."  (James  i.  5.  17.)  And  the  only  way  by 
which  we  may  obtain  these  precious  gifts  is  — 
PRAYER.  Ask  therefore  of  God — "  Ask,  and  it 
shall  be  given  you  :  seek,  and  ye  shall  find  ;  knock 
and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you."  (Matt.  vii.  7.) 
"  If  wealth  were  to  be  had  for  asking,  what  eager- 
ness, what  diligence,  what  perseverance  should 

*  Bishop  Hall's  Balm  of  Gilead,  chap,  xviii. 


64  IMPORTANCE    OP    PRAYER. 

we  witness  !  If  treasure  were  to  be  had  for  seek- 
ing, what  portion  of  the  earth's  surface  would 
escape  the  spade  1  If  knocking  would  give  en- 
trance to  the  cabinets  and  confidence  of  kings, 
what  crowding  would  be  there  !  In  quest  of  false 
happiness  no  effort  is  spared.  Hardships  and  op- 
posing dangers  men  count  as  nothing,  when  the 
phantom  of  this  world's  glory,  riches,  or  pleasures 
rise  before  them."     (Fenelon.) 

**  Fashionable  suppliants  may  talk  to  God  :  but, 
be  confident,  he  that  can  truly  pray,  can  never 
be  truly  miserable.  Of  ourselves,  we  lie  open  to 
all  evils :  our  rescue  is  from  above :  and  what 
intercourse  have  we  with  heaven,  but  by  our 
prayers  ?  Our  prayers  are  they,  that  can  deliver 
us  from  dangers,  avert  judgments,  prevent  mis- 
chiefs, procure  blessings  ;  that  can  obtain  pardon 
for  our  sins,  furnish  us  wilh  strength  against 
temptations,  mitigate  the  extremity  of  our  suffer- 
ings, sustain  our  infirmities,  raise  up  our  dejected- 
ness,  increase  our  graces,  abate  our  corruptions, 
sanctify  all  good  things  to  us,  sweeten  the  bitter- 
ness of  afflictions,  open  the  windows  of  heaven, 
shut  up  the  bars  of  death,  vanquish  the  power  of 
hell. —  Pray  ;  and  be  both  safe  and  happy."  (Bp. 
Hall.)  Yes  ! — "  Ask  and  it  shall  be  given  you  :" 
in  other  words,  whoever  does  not  ask,  must  ne- 
cessarily remain  destitute  of  all  those  spiritual 
blessings,  which  are  promised  to  all  that  "pray 
without  ceasing,"  and  "  watch  unto  prayer." 

2.  But,  while  the  proud  or  careless  professor 
of  Christianity  loses  every  thing  by  neglecting 
prayer,  the  humble  believer,  who  feels  his  want 
of  divine  grace,  derives,  on  the  contrary,  from 


ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER.  65 

THAT      SACRED       EXERCISE       EVERY    THING     of 

which  he  stands  in  need.  The  humble  penitent 
becomes  rich  by  prayer  :  the  feeble  believer  is 
rendered  strong  by  prayer. 

[i.]  The  humble  penitent  becomes  rich 
BY  prayer. — Not,  indeed,  that  our  prayers,  con- 
sidered as  the  discharge  of  a  duty  towards  God, 
can  merit  any  thing  in  His  sight :  for  we  are 
but  unprofitable  servants,  even  though  we  were 
to  perform  all  that  we  are  commanded  to  do. 
But  our  prayers,  being  always  more  or  less  defiled 
by  inattention,  by  languor,  by  pride  or  unbelief,  or 
by  some  other  defect,  themselves  require  to  be 
purified  through  the  blood  of  the  Redeemer 
which  cleanse th  from  all  sin.  When  therefore 
God  vouchsafes  to  hear  those  prayers,  he  hears 
them  only  through  His  grace  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name  and  through  whose 
all-prevailing  hitercession  we  present  them  :  and 
"  whosoever  believeth  in  Him,  shall  not  be  con- 
founded." 

The  holy  Scriptures  abound  with  numerous 
examples  which  are  recorded  for  our  encourage- 
ment, of  the  successful  prayer  of  faith. 

(1.)  In  the  Old  Testament  we  read,  that 
the  offering  of  Abel  was  accepted,  because  it 
was  presented  in  sincerity,  and  was  expressive 
of  humility  and  believing  obedience  :  and,  as  he 
sought  the  mercy  of  the  New  Covenant  through 
the  promised  seed,  he  was  graciously  accepted. 
"  The  Lord  had  respect  unto  Abel  and  to  his 
offering."  (Gen.  iv.  4.)  "  By  faith  Abel  offered 
unto  God  a  more  excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain, 
by  which  he  obtained  witness  that  he  was  right- 
6* 


66  ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO   PRAYER. 

eous,  God  testifying  of  his  gifts  :  and  by  it  he 
being  dead  yet  speaketh."     (Heb.  xi.  4.) 

Jacob  wrestled  with  God  by  prayer,  and 
prevailed  for  the  blessing  which  he  sought. 
(Gen.  xxxii.  24—28.) 

The  prayer  of  Moses  dried  up  the  waters  of 
the  Red  Sea,  and  caused  them  to  stand  in  a 
heap,  while  the  Israelites  crossing  over  on  dry 
land  beheld  the  salvation  of  God.  (Exod.  xiv. 
13—26.) 

David's  prayers  repeatedly  protected  him 
amidst  all  the  imminent  dangers  with  which  on 
various  occasions  he  was  surrounded. 

Elijah's  prayer  shut  and  opened  the  windows 
of  heaven.  (1  Kings  xvii.  1.  xviii.  42 — 45. 
James  v.  IS.) 

Arab's  humiliation  and  prayer  suspended  the 
divine  judgments  which  were  about  to  be  inflicted 
upon  his  idolatrous  house.     (1  Kings  xxi.  29.) 

Manasseh's  prayer  liberated  him  from  cap- 
tivity ,  and,  contrary  to  all  ordinary  means,  re- 
stored him  to  the  throne  of  his  kingdom. 
(2  Chron.  xxxiii.  12,  13.) 

Daniel's  prayer  shut  the  lions'  mouths,  and 
stopped  the  rage  of  those  furious  beasts.  (Dan.  vi.) 

And  the  devout  prayers  of  Esther  changed 
the  sentence  of  extermination  which  had  been 
denounced  against  the  captive  Jews,  and  caused 
the  intended  mischief  to  fall  upon  their  enemies. 

(2.)  The  New  Testament  also  exhibits 
numerous  instances  of  humble  prayer,  success- 
fully offered  for  divine  aid  and  guidance. 

Witness  the  two  blind  men  of  Jericho  : — 
feeling  all  the  magnitude  of  their  calamity,  they 


ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER.  67 

earnestly  desired  to  recover  their  sight.  "  They 
cried  out,"  therefore,  **the  more,  saying,  Have 
mercy  on  us,  O  Lord,  thou  Son  of  David.  And 
Jesus  had  compassion  on  them,  and  touched 
their  eyes  ;  and  immediately  their  eyes  received 
sight."     (Matt.  XX.  30—34.) 

Witness  likewise  the  leprous  man,  who  feel- 
ing all  the  deformity  of  his  leprosy — (fit  emblem 
of  the  moral  leprosy  of  sin) — earnestly  sup- 
plicated deliverance  from  it.  His  confidence  in 
the  Redeemer's  ability  to  succour  him  was  un- 
bounded ;  the  prayer  of  faith  was  heard.  *'  Jesus 
put  forth  his  hand  and  touched  him ;  and  imme- 
diately his  leprosy  was  cleansed."  (Matt.  viii. 
2—4.) 

While  the  devout  centurion  at  Csesarea  was 
actually  praying,  an  angel  announced  to  him  that 
his  prayers  and  alms  were  come  up  for  a  memo- 
rial before  God.  Four  days  after,  the  apostle 
Peter  arrived  at  his  house,  and  preached  to  him 
the  Gospel  of  Peace:  and  the  happy  centurion  at 
length  received,  through  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ,  that  peace  of  God,  which  all  his  good 
works  could  not  impart  to  him.  (Actsx.  3 — 33.) 

And  while  Saul  of  Tarsus,  (who  had  vainly 
thought  to  serve  the  cause  of  God  by  persecuting 
the  church,)  after  his  miraculous  conversion,  was 
humbling  himself  at  Damascus,  by  fasting  and 
prayer,  the  Lord  in  like  manner  sent  one  of  his 
faithful  disciples,  to  carry  to  his  troubled  soul 
the  glorious  message  of  peace,  and  an  assurance 
that  he  should  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Spirit. 
(Acts  ix.  11—18.) 

The  time-indeed  would  fail,  were  we  to  attempt 


OO  ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER. 

to  recount  all  the  mighty  achievements  of  devout 
and  humble  prayer,  which  has  such  an  all  pre- 
vailing force  as  no  earthly  power  is  able  to  with- 
stand ;  and  no  wonder  ;  since  it  engages  the 
whole  power  of  heaven  on  its  side,  and  fetches 
to  its  assistance  thatomnipotency,  which  created 
all  things  out  of  nothing. 

Does  the  reader  feel,  at  times,  an  aching  void 
in  his  heart,  which  no  earthly  good  can  fill  or 
satisfy  ?  Let  him  suffer  the  writer  of  these  pages 
to  prevail  on  him  to  enter  into  his  closet,  and 
pour  forth  his  soul  in  the  presence  of  Him  "  who 
seeth  in  secret,"  and  who  is  the  witness  of  all 
our  spiritual  conflicts.  "  Pray  always," — under 
every  trial  and  in  every  exigency, — "  with  all 
prayer  and  supplication"  (Eph.  v.  \S.)\  and  you 
shall  not  wait  long  at  the  throne  of  mercy. 
"  For,  if  ye  being  evil  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  to  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your 
Heavenly  Father  give  His  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  Him  ?"  (Luke  xi.  13.)  The  cry  of  the 
humble  penitent  will  not  ascend  in  vain  before 
Him,  who  imparts  rest  to  the  weary  and  heavy- 
laden.  As  there  is  no  condemnation  to  them 
that  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  who  walk  not  ac- 
cording to  the  flesh,  but  according  to  the  Spirit ; 
being  justified  by  faith,  you  will  have  peace  with 
God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  (Rom.  viii. 
1.  v.  L)  And,  amid  all  the  trials  to  which  you 
may  be  exposed,  "  seek  the  Lord  and  His 
strength  :  seek  His  face  evermore,  who  is  nigh 
unto  all  them  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth.  He 
will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  Him  ;  He 
will  also  hear  their  cry  and  will  save  them."  For 


ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER.  W 

*'  they  that  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their 
strength ;  they  shall  mount  up  with  wings  as 
eagles  :  they  shall  run  and  not  be  weary  ;  they 
shall  walk  and  not  faint."  (Psal.  cv.  4.  cxlv.  18, 
19.     Isa.  xl.  31.) 

Thus  the  humble  penitent  becomes  rich  by 
prayer ;   and 

[ii.]   The    feeble    believer    is    rendered 

STRONG  BY  PRAYER 

(1.)  In  the  seventeenth  chapter  of  the  book  of 
Exodus,  we  have  an  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  the  Israelites,  under  the  command  of 
Joshua,  obtained  a  victory  over  the  Anialekites, 
— not  so  much  by  virtue  of  their  own  strength 
or  the  military  skill  of  Joshua,  as  by  the  earnest 
and  continual  prayer  of  Moses.  While  the 
people  were  engaged  in  battle,  Moses  ascended 
to  the  summit  of  a  hill  whence  he  could  be  dis- 
tinctly seen,  and  there  he  lifted  up  his  hands  in 
prayer.  "  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  held 
up  his  hand,  that  Israel  prevailed  ;  and  when  he 
letdown  his  hand  Amalek  prevailed."  (Exod. 
xvii.  10,  11.)  And,  long  after  the  time  of  Moses 
and  of  Joshua,  was  not  the  prayer  of  Jehosha- 
PHAT  king  of  Judah  of  great  force  and  strength  1 
When,  surrounded  by  his  enemies,  he  had  no 
hope  of  defending  his  people  against  unequal 
numbers,  and  knew  not  what  to  do, — his  "  eyes 
were  upon  God." — ''  He  set  himself  to  seek  the 
Lord,"  who  sent  division  amongst  his  enemies, 
so  that  "  every  one  helped  to  destroy  another." 
(2  Chron.  xx.  5—12.  23.) 

Lively  representations  these,  oi  our  condition 
in  this  world,  and  of  the  power  of  prayer !    Here 


70  ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER. 

indeed  we  arc  engaged  in  a  difficult  warfare. 
We  have  to  conflict  at  once  with  the  world  and 
its  maxims,  with  satan  and  his  devices,  with  the 
flesh  and  its  evil  desires.  Within  —  without  — 
on  every  iside,  temptations  assail  us ;  and  we 
have  nothing  to  oppose  to  them  but  our  weak- 
ness. Bat  the  Christian  prays  ;  and  the  thought 
of  the  heavenly  inheritance,  and  of  the  blessings 
which  are  reserved  for  him,  strengthens  his 
wavering  faith,  and  re-animates  his  fainting 
courage. 

O  how  fi-ivolous  do  worldly  objects  appear  to 
him,  who  places  himself  in  the  immediate  pre- 
sence of  his  God,  and  who  fixes  his  regards  on 
eternal  things!  Under  what  an  important  and 
solemn  point  of  view  do  the  duties  of  the  Chris- 
tian present  themselves  to  him  !  But,  above  all, 
God  answers  the  prayer  of  His  child.  When 
"  the  righteous  cry,  the  Lord  heareth,  and  de- 
livereth  them  out  of  all  their  troubles." — "  Who, 
indeed,  can  express  the  powerful  oratory  of  a 
believer's  prayer  ?  This  little  word — "Father" — 
lisped  forth  in  prayer  by  a  child  of  God,  exceeds 
the  eloquence  of  all  the  most  renowned  orators 
of  ancient  or  of  modern  times.  We  knock  at 
heaven  ;  and  the  heart  of  God  flies  open." 

(2.)  This  answer  to  prayer  the  humble  Chris- 
tian daily  experiences. 

Is  he  cast  down  under  the  sense  of  a  trespass 
into  which  he  has  inadvertently  fallen  ?  He 
prostrates  himself,  in  prayer  before  the  throne  of 
grace.  Is  he  assailed  by  temptation  ?  He  prays 
and  is  delivered  from  it.  Is  he  overwhelmed 
under  a  sense  of  the  injustice  and  harshness  of 


ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PRAYER.  71 

those,  from  whom  he  might  reasonably  expect 
to  receive  proofs  of  kindness?  He  has  recourse 
to  prayer ;  his  heart  expands  with  filial  love  and 
confidence  in  his  Heavenly  Father.  How  is  he 
comforted,  when  he  looks  oflf  from  all  other  ob- 
jects to  Jesus  the  Author  and  Finisher  of  his 
faith,  —  to  that  divine  "Friend,  who  sticketh 
closer  than  a  brother."  He  prays :  and  in  his 
eyes  every  thing  assumes  a  new  aspect.  His 
sorrow  loses  its  bitterness.  The  peace  of  God 
once  more  fills  his  heart ;  and  he  is  ready  to 
accommodate  hiaiself  to  the  most  difficult  cir- 
cumstances. He  forgives  the  most  unjust  pro- 
ceedings against  him  ;  and  he  supports,  without 
effort,  what  but  a  short  time  before  appeared  to 
him  insupportable.  Is  he  afflicted  with  sore  dis- 
ease, either  in  his  own  person  or  in  the  persons 
of  those  who  are  dear  to  him  ?  Is  he  plunged 
into  the  deepest  sorrow,  visited  by  unforeseen 
reverses,  or  reduced  to  any  pressing  extremity  ? 
The  Christian  continues  to  pray  :  and  his  voice 
does  not  vainly  implore  Him,  who  "  taketh  plea- 
sure in  them  that  fear  him,  in  those  who  hope  in 
his  mercy." 

Always,  whether  under  bodily  or  mental  suf- 
ferings, amidst  the  temptations  of  the  world, 
and  the  infirmities  incident  to  human  nature, 
the  Christian  is  rendered  strong  by  prayer.  By 
it,  he  is  enabled  to  war  a  good  warfare ;  and  by 
it  he  triumphs.  What  supported  the  martyrs 
for  the  faith  of  Christ  amid  excruciating  tor- 
tures and  at  the  stakr,  but  prayer  ?  From  God 
they  sought  all  the  strength  of  which  they  stood 
in  need.     "  In  the  day  when  they  cried,  he  an- 


72  ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO    PKAYER. 

swered  them,  and  strengthened  them  with  strength 
in  their  souls."  And  are  not  these  same  treasures 
of  divine  support  opened  lo  each  of  us?  Does 
not  God  invite  us  also  to  come,  and  by  prayer 
freely  derive  consolation,  strength,  and  every 
other  grace  1  Yet,  how  many  are  there,  who 
either  never  pray,  or  who  bring  to  the  perform- 
ance of  that  duty  only  languor,  and  indifference  ? 
Now,  what  can  be  alleged  in  justification  of  so 
strange  a  conduct?  The  resources,  which  such 
persons  think  they  have  within  themselves  ?  But 
they  naturally  participate,  with  all  the  children 
of  Adam,  only  in  error  and  in  sinful  natures. 
Does  any  one  urge  the  uncertainty,  whether  or 
not  his  prayers  shall  be  heard  ?  Call  to  mind 
the  numerous  promises  of  Him,  "who  is  not  a 
man  that  he  should  lie,  nor  the  son  of  man  that 
he  should  repent.  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given 
unto  you.  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him 
ask  it  of  God,  and  it  shall  be  given  him."  (Numb, 
xxiii.  19.  Matt.  vii.  7.  James  i.  5.) 

God,  indeed,  does  not  promise  to  fulfil  all  the 
vain  desires  which  we  may  form.  He  does  not 
promise  to  preserve  to  us  that  guide  of  our  youth, 
that  desire  of  our  eyes,  that  child,  or  that  friend, 
whom  we,  perhaps,  have  idolized.  He  does  not 
promise  to  restore  us  to  that  bodily  health,  which 
perhaps  we  may  have  valued  more  highly  than 
the  health  of  our  souls  :  nor  does  he  promise  to 
give  us  those  perishable  earthly  goods,  for  which 
we  might  perhaps  neglect  eternal  things.  God 
does  not  engage  to  give  us  presents,  which  might 
be  injurious  to  us.  But  "  this  is"  his  promise  and 
"  the  confidence  which  we  have  in  him,  that,  if 


REQUISITES    TO    ACCEPTABLE    PRAYER.         73 

we  ask  any  thing  according  to  his  will,  he 
heareth  us."  (1  John  v.  14.)  Now  the  will  of 
God  is  clearly  revealed  in  the  Gospel :  for  He 
is  there  made  known  as  the  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  in  Him  as  our  Father. 
And  it  is  his  will  that  we  hear  and  believe  on 
Christ,  that  we  repent  of  sin,  that  we  live  a 
holy  life,  that  we  love  one  another.  This  is 
His  will,  even  our  sanctification.  Let  us  then 
earnestly  seek  those  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
which  relate  to  the  sanctification  of  our  souls, 
in  the  humble  yet  firm  belief  that  God  will  hear 
us.  Let  us  take  heed,  lest  we  become  "  wearied 
and  faint  in  our  minds"  by  any  seeming  delay, 
on  the  part  of  God,  in  answering  our  prayers. 
Prayer  is  an  exercise  of  faith  and  patience :  let 
us  learn  to  pray  earnestly,  fervently,  persevering- 
ly,  and  with  holy  importunity,  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  (who  hath  left  us  an  example  that  we 
should  follow  the  blessed  steps  of  his  most  holy 
life,)  that  God  would  vouchsafe  unto  us  the 
''spirit  of  grace  and  supplication." 


SECTION  H. 


ON    THE      DISPOSITIONS     REQUISITE     TO     ACCEPTABLE 
PRAYER. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you  :  seek,  and  ye    shall    find  : 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.     (Matt.  vii.  7.  ) 

Such  is  the  promise   of  our  Divine   Redeemer  : 
and,  lest   we  should  think   any  thing   too  hard 

7 


/4  UEQUISITES    TO 

for  Him  to  bestow,  or  too  good  for  us  to  re- 
ceive, He  has  further  assured  us,  that  what- 
soever we  shall  ask  the  Father  in  his  name, 
that  will  He  do.  (John  xiv.  13.)  Yet  it  is  not 
the  mere  asking,  that  will  be  accepted  :  although 
the  promise  seems  to  be  absolute,  yet  the  condi- 
tion is  necessarily  implied,  that  we  ask  such 
things  only  as  are  agreeable  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  suited  to  our  real  necessities  ;  not  for  such 
things  as  may  gratify  our  evil  propensities,  but 
for  those  blessings  only  which  may  promote 
the  honor  of  God,  and  the  real  welfare  of  our 
immortal  souls.  If  we  do  not  attend  to  this 
point,  it  is  no  wonder  that  our  petitions  are 
rejected,  *'  Ye  a$k,  and  receive  not,"  says  St. 
James  ;  "  because  ye  ask  amiss."  (iv.  3.)  In  all 
our  supplications  to  the  throne  of  grace,  therefore, 
regard  must  be  had  to  the  subject — as  well  as 
to  the  MANNER — of  our  petitions. 

I.  With  respect  to  the  SUBJECT  of  prayer, 
one  certain  qualification  is,  that  it  be  offered  for 
such  things  only  as  are  just  and  lawful. 

**  Should  an  earthly  prince  make  a  promise  to 
any  of  his  subjects,  as  God  has  done  to  us,  that 
he  would  never  deny  him  any  request,  it  ought 
to  be  understood  of  reasonable  requests  ;  and 
should  that  subject  offer  up  any  suit  that  is  wicked 
and  unrighteous,  the  prince  who  has  any  regard 
to  justice  and  true  honor  would  not  only  give 
him  a  denial,  but  dismiss  him  with  the  utmost 
scorn  and  indignation.  And  shall  not  the  Judge 
of  all  the  world  think  himself  as  much  concerned 
for  right  and  equity  ?  He  that  shall  put  up  any 
petition  to  Him,  which  is  not  every  way  conform- 


ACCEPTABLE    PRAYER.  75 

al)le  to  the  eternal  rules  of  righteousness,  can 
expect  no  other,  but  that  liis  '  prayer  will  be 
turned  into  sin,'  and  will  bring  down  upon  him 
tlie  heaviest  portion  of  God's  wrath  and  ven- 
geance. The  glory  of  God  ought  to  be  the  chief 
end  and  aim  of  all  the  prayers  that  we  offer  to 
him  :  and,  due  regard  being  had  thereto,  we  may 
lawfully  pray,  (and  it  is  our  duty  to  do  so,)  for 
all  things  that  are  needful  to  our  souls  or  bodies  ; 
only  with  this  difference  in  the  form  and  manner 
of  our  addresses,  tliat  when  we  pray  to  God  for 
spiritual  blessings,  for  the  supplies  of  His  grace 
and  the  assistance  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  the  terms 
and  expressions  of  our  petitions  are  to  be  abso- 
lute, and  sent  up  to  His  heavenly  Throne,  with 
full  assurance  that  they  shall  be  heard  and 
granted.  But  when  we  pray  for  temporal  good 
things,  for  health,  liberty,  food,  and  raiment,  the 
comforts  or  conveniences  of  life,  we  submit  all  to 
His  will  and  pleasure,  and  ask  them  upon  no 
other  terms  than  as  He  thinks  they  are  fitting  for 
us."*  "  Covet  earnestly  the  best  gifts.  Ask  not 
riches,  wealth,  or  honor,  nor  the  life  of  thine 
enemies,  neither  yet  long  life;  but  ask  wisdom 
and  knowledge  for  thyself;  and  God  shall  supply 
all  thy  need  according  to  his  riches  in  glory,  by 
Christ  Jesus."  (1  Cor.  xii.  31.  2  Chron.  i.  11. 
Phil.  iv.  19.) 

II.  With  regard  to  the  MANNER  in  which  we 
are  to  "  make  known  our  requests  unto  God," 
the  Holy  Scriptures  contain  full  and  explicit 
instructions, 

*  Nourse's  Discourses  on  the  Homilies,  Part  I.  p.  11. 


7(5  RECiUlSITLS    TO 

1.  Endeavor  to  place  yourself  in  the 
PRESENCE  OF  GoD,  the  Scavclicr  of  hearts. 

Let  us  not  add  to  our  otlier  sins  that  of  appearing 
before  the  Most  Higli  without  a  due  sense  of  His 
glorious  and  adorable  attributes,  and  an  affecting 
sense  of  our  own  unworthiness.  Deeply  impressed 
with  these  sentiments,  Abraham  acknowledged 
himself  to  be  but  dust  and  ashes  ;  Job,  that  he  was 
vile  ;  and  David,  that  he  was  a  worm  and  no  man. 
The  distance  between  creatures  of  a  day  and  the 
Eternal  Almighty  Creator  is  not  to  be  calculated. 
God  has  revealed  Himself  as  decked  with  majesty 
and  honor,  and  glorious  in  holiness.  But  what 
are  we  in  our  best  estate  ?  With  imaginations 
only  evil,  continually,  and  possessing  a  heart  that 
is  deceitful  above  all  things,  "  cveiy  man  at 
his  best  estate  is  altogether  vanity."  (Psal. 
xxxix.  5.) 

"  Before  thou  prayest,"  therefore,  "  prepare 
thyself,  and  be  not  as  one  that  tempteth  the 
Lord  :  commune  with  thine  own  heart,  examine 
thyself,  and  [let]  thy  spirit  make  diligent 
search."  (Ecclus.  xviii.  23.  Psal.  iv.  4.  2  Cor. 
xiii.  5.     Psal.  Ixxvii.  6.) 

*'  Be  not  rash  with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not  thine 
heart  be  hasty  to  utter  any  thing  before  God  : 
for  God  is  in  heaven,  and  thou  upon  earth. 
Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  give  glory  to  Him 
that  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  sea,  and  the 
fountains  of  waters.  [For]  God  is  a  Spirit,  and 
they  that  worship  Him  must  worship  Him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth."  (Pxcles.  v.  2.  Psal.  ii.  IL 
Rev.  xiv.  7.    John  iv.  24.) 

2.  Bring  to  the  exercise  of  prayer  sincerity 

OF  INTENTION. 


ACCEPTABLE    TIlAYER.  77 

It  is  only  the  pure  in  heart  who  see  God. 
"  He  "  only,  "  that  hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure 
heart,  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord, 
and  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  salvation." 
(Psal.  xxiv.  4,  5.)  "  Holy  intention  "  (says 
Bishop  Taylor)  "  is  to  the  actions  of  a  man,  that 
which  the  soul  is  to  the  body,  or  form  to  its 
matter,  or  the  root  to  the  tree,  or  the  sun  to  the 
world,  or  the  fountain  to  a  river,  or  the  base  to  a 
pillar :  for,  without  these,  the  body  is  a  dead 
trunk,  the  matter  is  sluggish,  the  tree  is  a  block, 
the  world  is  darkness,  the  river  is  quickly  dry,  the 
pillar  rushes  into  flatness  and  ruin,  and  the  action 
is  sinful,  or  unprofitable  and  vain." 

It  is  easy  to  be  sincere  when  we  ask  for  tem- 
poral things  :  we  love  them  only  too  well.  But 
when  we  pray  for  those  things  which  are  truly 
good, — for  those  which  are  opposed  to  our  irregu- 
lar desires, — how  rarely  do  we  offer  our  petitions 
with  an  upright  heart!  How  seldom  do  we  desire 
to  obtain  them,  when  the  acquisition  of  them 
would  cost  us  the  plucking  out  of  an  eye,  or  the 
cutting  off  an  arm  !  On  the  contrary,  how  many 
secret  attachments  do  we  cherish  to  ihe  world 
and  its  lusts,  which  we  dread  to  see  broken  ! 

But  God  detects  this  duplicity,  which  we  dis- 
semble from  ourselves.  Little  does  He  regard 
those  prayers  in  which  the  language  of  the  lips  is 
not  in  full  harmony  with  that  of  the  heart;  and 
in  which  we  confine  righteousness  to  vvliat  is 
gratifying  to  us,  or  easy  to  be  performed,  and  to 
what  may  co-exist  with  inclinations  that  en- 
slave us. 

Far   different   from   these  heartless  devotions 


78  REQUISITES     TO 

were  the  prayers  of  the  royal  prophet,  when  he 
besought  God  to  search  him  and  know  his  heart, 
to  try  him  and  know  liis  thoughts,  and  see  if  there 
were  any  wicked  way  in  him.  (Psal.  cxxxix.  23, 
24.)  He  was  afraid  that  he  should  not  know  him- 
self sufficiently ,  and  lest  he  should  retain  any 
secret  attachments  which  he  thought  he  had  sub- 
dued. In  offering  these  petitions,  David  exem- 
plified the  sincerity  of  intention,  of  which  we 
speak.  We  ought  to  present  ourselves  before 
God  with  the  firm  desire  that  his  will  should  be 
fulfilled  without  reserve  in  us,  and  without  ex- 
cepting any  thing  which  He  may  please  to  com- 
mand us.  Convinced  that  we  retain  many  secret 
obstacles  to  His  views  concerning  us,  we  ought 
to  beseech  Him  to  overcome  them  all  by  His 
grace. 

3.  Such  a  disposition  leads  to  humility,  .  .  . 
to  a  deep  sense  of  our  unworthiness,  as  well  as  of 
our  wants  ;  for  God  "  scattereth  the  proud  in  the 
imagination  of  their  hearts,  but  giveth  grace  to 
the  humble.  He  filleth  the  hungry  with  good 
things,  while  he  sendeth  the  rich  empty  away." 
The  poor  publican,  under  a  deep  sense  of  his 
own  unworthiness,  would  not  so  much  as  lift  up 
his  eyes  unto  heaven  ;  but  smote  upon  his  breast, 
saying  "  God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner  !"  and 
he  went  down  to  his  house  justified,  rather  than 
the  proud  Pharisee  who  recounted  his  good 
deeds,  and  boasted  of  his  imaginary  righteous- 
ness. The  humble  soul,  that  is  content  with  the 
crumbs  which  fall  from  the  children's  table,  will 
be  preferred  to  the  children  themselves,  if  they 
forget  that  they  are  such  only  by  grace. 


ACCEPTABLE     PRAYER.  79 

4.  The  most  certain  proof,  that  2vc  offer  our 
prayers  ivith  humility,  isiohcn  we  pray  earnestly 
and  FERVENTLY  \ — when  ivc  pray   alivays  with 

ALL    PERSEVERANCE.    (Epll.   vi.   18.) 

The  proud  man  becomes  weary  with  delay,  if 
his  prayers  be  not  answered.  The  humble  soul 
waits  patiently  his  Master's  good  pleasure :  he 
accounts  himself  happy,  to  be  permitted  to  wait 
at  his  door,  and  there  he  continues  prostrate 
until  it  is  opened  to  him  ;  knowing  that  He,  who 
has  promised  to  hear  prayer,  is  faithful.  "  Let 
us  never  faint,  never  slack,  never  give  over,  but 
let  us  daily  and  hourly,  early  and  late,  in  season 
and  out  of  season,  be  occupied  in  godlj  medi- 
tations and  prayers.  What,  if  we  obtain  not  our 
petitions  at  the  first?  Yet,  let  us  not  be  dis- 
couraged, yet  let  us  continually  cry  and  call 
upon  God  :  he  will  surely  hear  us  at  length,  if 
for  no  other  cause  yet  for  very  importunity's 
sake.  Remember  the  parable  of  the  unright- 
eous judge  and  the  poor  widow ;  how  she  by 
her  importunate  means  caused  him  to  do  her 
justice  against  her  adversary,  although  otherwise 
he  feared  neither  God  nor  man.  '  Shall  not  God 
much  more  avenge  His  elect,'  saith  our  Saviour 
Christ,  '  which  cry  unto  Him  day  and  night?' 
(Luke  xviii.  ] — 7.)  Thus  He  taught  his  disciples, 
and  in  them  all  other  Christian  men,  to  pray 
always,  and  never  to  faint  or  shrink.  Remember 
also  the  example  of  the  woman  of  Canaan,  how 
she  was  rejected  of  Christ,  and  called  dog,  as 
one  most  unworthy  of  any  benefit  at  His  hands  ; 
yet  she  gave  not  over,  but  followed  him  still, 
crying  and  calling  upon  him  to    be    good    and 


80  UEQUISITES    TO 

merciful  unto  her  daughter.  And  at  length, 
by  very  importunity,  she  obtained  her  request. 
(Matt.  XV.  21—28.)  O  let  us  learn  by  these 
examples  to  be  earnest  and  fervent  in  prayer  ; 
assuring  ourselves  that  what  we  ask  of  God  the 
Father,  in  the  name  of  his  Son  Christ,  and  ac- 
cording to  his  will,  he  will  undoubtedly  grant  it. 
He  is  truth  itself:  and  as  truly  as  He  hath  pro- 
mised it,  so  truly  will  He  perform  it.  (Homily, 
on  Prayer,  Part  I.)  "  Delight  thyself  in  the 
Lord,  and  he  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine 
heart.  Commit  thy  way  unto  the.  Lord  :  trust 
also  in  him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass.  For, 
yet  a  little  while,  and  he  that  shall  come,  will 
come,  and  will  not  tarry."  (Psal.  xxxvii.  4,  5. 
Heb.  X.  37.) 

5.  But,  in  order  that  we  may  he  heard,  icc  must 
pray  in  the  name  of  Christ. 

"  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  whatsoever 
ye  shall  ask  the  Father  in  my  name,  He  will 
give  it  you.  Ask  and  receive,  that  your  joy  may 
be  full."  (John  xvi.  23,  24.)  "  In  my  name." 
This  is  the  foundation  of  prayer,  and  from  this 
it  derives  all  its  efficacy.  This  word,  "  in  my 
name,"  supposes  that  it  is  only  for  the  love  of 
Christ,  that  our  prayers  will  be  heard.  But  how 
can  we  dare  to  raise  our  thoughts  and  our 
wishes  to  Him,  who  is  infinite  in  majesty  and 
spotless  holiness,  if  Jesus  Christ  did  not  fill  the 
immense  interval  which  separates  the  creature 
from  the  Creator,  and  the  yet  greater  distance 
which  sin  has  interposed  between  the  holiness  of 
God  and  our  U!iworthiness  ;  if  He  did  not  cover 


ACCEPTABLE    PRAYER.  Si 

US  with  His  protection,  if  lie  did  not  vouchsafe 
himself  to  make  intercession  for  us? 

It  is  not  sufficient,  that  we  say  to  God  with 
our  lips,  that  we  solicit  his  grace  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ.  These  words  must  be  accompanied 
with  a  disposition  that  leads  us  to  renounce  all 
confidence  in  the  flesh,  and  to  repose  our  whole 
trust  in  Jesus,  who  ever  liveth  to  intercede  for 
all  that  come  unto  God  through  Him.  Both  these 
dispositions  are  too  often  wanting  in  those  who 
pray.  They  are  not  sufficiently  convinced  of 
their  nothingness,  and  how  little  claim  they  have 
to  the  grace  of  God.  They  have  not  a  sufficiently 
lively  faith  in  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  through 
which  they  can  obtain  every  thing  of  God,  not- 
withstanding their  utter  unworthiness. 

6.  *'  Ask  IN  FAITH,  nothing  ivavcring.^'  James 
i.  6. 

"  All  prayer  must  be  made  with  faith  and  hope  : 
that  is,  we  must  certainly  believe  we  shall  re- 
ceive the  grace,  which  God  hath  commanded  us 
to  ask  ;  and  we  must  hope  for  such  things  which 
he  hath  permitted  us  to  ask  :  and  our  hope  shall 
not  be  in  vain.  Our  desires  must  be  lasting,  and 
our  prayers  frequent,  assiduous,  and  continual  ; 
not  asking  for  a  blessing  once  and  then  leaving  it : 
but  daily  renewing  our  suits,  and  exercising  our 
hope,  and  faith,  and  patience,  and  long-suffering, 
and  religion,  and  resignation,  and  self-denial,  in 
all  the  degrees  we  shall  be  put  to."  .  .  .  .  "  What- 
ever we  beg  of  God,  let  us  also  work  for  it,  if 
the  thing  be  matter  of  duty,  or  a  consequent  to 
industry  ;  for  God  loves  to  bless  labor  and  to 
reward    it,    but   not  to  support  idleness.     And 


82  REQUISITES    TO 

therefore  our  blessed  Saviour,  in  his  sermons, 
joins  vvatchfuhiess  with  prayer  :  for  God's  graces 
are  but  assistances,  not  new  creations  of  the 
whole  habit  in  every  instant  or  period  of  our 
life.  Read  the  Scriptures,  and  then  pray  to 
God  for  understanding.  Pray  against  temp- 
tation:  but  you  must  also  resist  the  devil,  and 
then  '  he  will  flee  from  you.'  Ask  of  God  com- 
petency of  living  ;  but  you  must  also  *  work 
with  your  hands  the  things  that  are  honest,  that 
ye  may  have  to  supply  in  time  of  need.'  We 
can  but  do  our  endeavor,  and  pray  for  a  bless- 
ing, and  then  leave  the  success  with  God  ;  and 
beyond  this  we  cannot  deliberate,  we  cannot  take 
care  :  but  so  far  we  must."  (Bishop  Taylor.) — 
Let  this  be  "the  confidence  that  we  have  in 
Him,  that,  if  we  ask  any  thing  according  to  His 
will,  he  heareth  us  ;  "  and  hath  promised  that 
"  all  things  whatsoever  we  ask  in  prayer,  be- 
lieving, we  shall  receive."  For  "  the  Lord  is 
nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth  : 
He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  Him  ; 
He  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them." 
(1  John  v.  14.  Matt.  xxi.  22.  Psal.  cxlv.  ]8, 19.) 

7.  Let  your  'prayers  he  accompanied  icith  sen- 
timents of  charity,  or  love  toioards  all  your 
brethren  of  mankind. 

When  you  offer  your  petitions  to  your  Hea- 
venly Father  in  the  name  of  Christ,  **  forgive,  if 
ye  have  aught  against  any  man  :  that  your  Father 
also  which  is  in  heaven  may  forgive  you  your 
trespasses.  For,  if  ye  forgive  men  their  tres- 
passes, your  Heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive 
you :  but,  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses, 


ACCEPTAIJLL     PUAVEIi.  SU 

neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses." 
(Mark  xi.  25.  Matt.  vi.  14,  15.)  "  He,  who  deals 
not  mercifully  with  men,  rejects  for  himself  the 
mercy  of  God.  That  a  king  should  remit  to  his 
subjects  a  countless  tribute,  and  an  infinity  of 
rebellions  against  his  authority  and  person,  on 
this  sole  condition  that  they  shall  live  in  kind- 
liness with  him  and  with  each  other,  is  an  instance 
of  concession  that  we  shall  never  see;  and  yet 
this  is  but  a  shadow  of  what  Christ,  on  the  part 
of  His  Father,  promises  to  the  truly  penitent. 
Lightly  must  he  deem  of  salvation  who  thinks 
the  purchase  dear.  He  who  refuses  to  forgive 
his  enemy,  him  will  not  God  forgive.  Whoso- 
ever awakes  not  at  this  thunderclap,  sleeps  not, 
but  is  dead.  The  Saviour  had  a  deep  and  special 
meaning  in  demanding  from  us  the  spirit  of  for- 
giveness, combining  the  threat  of  God's  eternal 
wrath  with  the  injunction  to  brotherly  love." 
(Quesnel.)  "  We  know  that  we  have  passed  " 
[over]  "  from  death  unto  life,  because  we  love 
the  brethren.  He  that  loveth  not  his  brother 
abideth  in  death."     (1  John  v.  14.) 


O  what  a  happy  confidence  would  animate  our 
prayers,  were  they  always  accompanied  with  the 
preceding  dispositions !  We  have  the  express 
promise  of  our  Redeemer  that  "  whatsoever" 
gracc?,  needful  for  our  salvation,  ''we  ask  the 
Father  in  His  name,  it  shall  be  given  us."  (John 
xvi,  23.)  Do  you  find  any  restriction  here? 
Shall  the  word  of  a  man  of  acknowledged  integ- 
rity  have  the  authority  of  an  oath,  or  be  impli- 


84         REQUISITES    TO     ACCEPTABLE    PRAYER. 

citly  credited  ?  And  shall  we  cherish  even  the 
shadow  of  a  doubt  concernincr  the  faithful  pro- 
mises of  the  God  of  truth,  the  God  of  all  grace 
and  consolation,  who  has  condescended  to  con- 
firm His  divine  promises  by  an  oath,  more  im- 
mutable than  heaven  and  earth  ?  The  manifold 
blessings  of  His  grace,  which  God  has  already 
lavished  upon  us,  unworthy  as  we  are  of  the 
least  of  His  mercies,  are  a  pledge  of  those  which 
he  will  vouchsafe  in  answer  to  fervent  and 
effectual  prayer.  He  that  commended  His  love 
to  us  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  in  that  He  spared 
not  His  own  Son,  but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all, 
— how  shall  He  not  with  him  also  freely  give  us 
all  things,  that  will  be  subservient  to  our  truest 
happiness  ! 

"  Pray  often,  and  you  shall  pray  oftener ;  and 
when  you  are  accustomed  to  a  frequent  devotion, 
it  will  so  insensibly  unite  to  our  nature  and  af- 
fections, that  it  will  become  trouble  to  omit  your 
usual  or  appointed  prayers.  Let  the  words  of 
our  prayers  be  pertinent,  grave,  material,  not 
studiously  many,  but  according  to  our  need, 
sufficient  to  express  our  wants,  and  to  signify 
our  importunity."     (Bishop  Taylor.) 


PART    II 


CONSOLATION  FOR  THE  AFFLICTED ; 

A    SERIES 

OF 

MEDITATIONS     AND    PRAYERS. 

SELECTED   AND   ARRANGED   FROM   THE    HOLY   SCRIPTURES,   ETC. 


TAKE    WITH    YOU    WORDS,    AND     TURN    UNTO    THE    LORD, 

Hos.  xiv.  2. 


O   THOU,  BY  WHOM    WE  COME  TO   GOD, 
THE    LIFE,  THE  TRUTH,  THE    WAY  ! 

THE  PATH  OF  PRAYER  THYSELF  HAST  TROD  J 
LORD,  TEACH    US  HOW  TO  PRAY. 

8 


"  FOR  THE  SERVICE  OF  GOD  AND 
THE  GOOD  OF  MEN,  I  AM  CON- 
TENTED TO  BEAR  THE  CENSURE 
OF  THOSE,  WHO  ACCOUNT  ALL 
FORMS  OF  BOOK  PRAYERS  TO 
BE  SIN." BAXTER. 


CHAPTER    I. 


DEVOTIONS     FOR     THOSE,     "  WHO    ARE     AFFLICTED 


SECTION    L 


DETOTION3    FOR    PERSONS,    "THAT    DO    TRULY    AND      EAR- 
NESTLY   REPENT    OF     THEIR    SINS." 


Thou  hast  set  our  iniquities  before  Thee,  our  secret  sins 
in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance. — Psalm  xc.  8. 

He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not  prosper ;  but  whoso 
CONFESSETH  and  FORSAKETH  them  shall  find  mercy. — Prov. 
xsviii.  3. 

1.  Prayers,  that  God  would  vouchsafe  to  assist 
their  Devotions,  and  to  hear  and  accept  their 
Suppliccdions. 

1.  From  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation 
of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  Thy  sight,  O  Lord, 
my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer. 

O  Lord,  I  know  not  what  to  pray  for  as  I 
ought.  I  am  not  sufficient  of  myself  to  think 
any  thing  as  of  myself;  but  my  sufficiency  is  of 


88  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

Thee.  Without  Thee  I  can  do  nothing.  O  let 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  help  my  infirmity,  and  make 
intercession  for  me.  Work  in  me  to  will  and  to 
do  of  Thy  good  pleasure.  Pour  upon  me  the 
spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  that  I  may 
draw  near  lo  Thee  with  a  true  heart  sprinkled 
from  an  evil  conscience,  in  full  assurance  of  faith  ; 
asking  such  things  as  are  according  to  Thy  will. 
Strengthen  me,  help  me,  uphold  me  with  the 
right  hand  of  Thy  righteousness  :  that  my  heart 
may  be  established  unblameable  in  holiness  be- 
fore Thee,  our  Father,  at  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  with  all  his  saints.  Now  unto  the 
only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  ma- 
jesty, dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever. 
Amen.  (Tsal.  xix.  14.  Rom.  viii.  26.  2  Cor. 
iii.  5.  John  xv.  15.  Rom.  viii.  26.  Phil.  ii.  13. 
Zech.  xii.  10.  Heb.  x.  22.  1  John  v.  14.  Isa. 
xli.  10.     1  Thess.  iii.  13.     Jude  25.) 


2.  From  the  Book  oj  Common  Prayer. 

Almighty  and  Everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art 
wont  to  give  more  than  either  we  desire  or  de- 
serve ;  Pour  down  upon  us  the  abundance  of  Thy 
Mercy,  forgiving  us  those  tilings  whereof  our 
conscience  is  afraid,  and  giving  us  those  good 
things  which  we  are  not  worthy  to  ask,  but 
through  the  Merits  and  Mediation  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Let  Thy  merciful  ears,  O  Lord,  be  open  to 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND, 

the  prayers  of  Thine  unworthy  servants  ;  and 
that  we  may  obtain  our  petitions,  make  us  to 
ask  such  things  as  shall  please  Thee,  and  to  offer 
up  our  supplications  at  the  throne  of  Thy  grace, 
with  humble,  lowly,  penitent,  and  obedient  hearts, 
not  trusting  in  our  own  righteousness,  but  in  Thy 
manifold  and  great  mercies,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  the  strength  of  all  them  that  put  their 
trust  in  Thee,  mercifully  accept  our  prayers  ; 
and  because,  through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal 
nature,  we  can  do  no  good  thing  without  Thee : 
cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  in- 
spiration of  thy  Holy  Spirit;  graft  in  our  hearts 
the  love  of  Thy  name  ;  and  grant  us  the  help  of 
Thy  grace,  that  in  keeping  Thy  commandments 
we  may  please  Thee  both  in  will  and  deed, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


IL  Confessions  {in  the  Language  oj  the  Holy 
Scriptures)  of  a  Person  deeply  convinced  of 
Sin. 

I  have  sinned  ;  what  shall  I  do  unto  Thee,  O 
thou  Preserver  of  Men  1  Thine  arrows  stick  fast 
in  me,  and  thy  hand  presseth  me  sore  :  for  mine 
iniquities  are  gone  over  my  head  ;  as  an  heavy 
burden,  they  are  too  heavy  for  me.  I  sink  in 
deep  mire  where  there  is  no  standing.  I  am 
come  into  deep  waters,  where  the  floods  overflow 
me.  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  enlarged.  Thy 
wrath  lieth  hard  upon  me  ;  and  I  am  afflicted, 
8* 


90  DEVOTIONS     FOR    THE 

and  ready  to  die :  while  I  suffer  Thy  terrors, 
I  am  distracted  :  Thy  fierce  wrath  goeth  over 
me,  Thy  terrors  have  cut  me  off.  (Job  vii.  20. 
Psal.  xxxviii.  2.4.  ;  Ixix.  2,  3.  ;  xxv.  17.  ;  Ixxxviii. 
15,  16  ) 

I  am  troubled,  I  am  bowed  down  greatly  ;  I 
go  mourning  all  the  day  long.  For  innumerable 
evils  have  compassed  me  about;  mine  iniquities 
have  taken  hold  upon  me,  so  that  I  am  not  able 
to  look  up  ;  they  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  my 
head,  therefore  my  heart  faileth  me.  In  me 
dwelleth  no  good  thing  :  for  the  good  that  I 
would,  I  do  not ;  but  the  evil  which  I  would  not, 
that  I  do.  I  find  a  law,  that,  when  I  would  do 
good,  evil  is  present  with  me.  For  I  delight  in 
the  law  of  God  after  the  inward  man;  but  I  see 
another  law  in  my  members,  warring  against  the 
law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into  captivity 
to  the  law  of  sin  which  is  in  my  members.  O 
wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me 
from  the  body  of  this  death!  O  Lord,  I  am 
oppressed,  undertake  for  me.  Be  pleased,  O 
Lord,  to  deliver  me  ;  O  Lord,  make  haste  to 
help  me.  (Psal.  xxxviii.  6. ;  xl.  12.  Rom.  vii.  21 
—24.     Isa.  xxxviii.  14.     Psal.  xl.  13.) 


III.  Prayers  suited  to  those  wlw  feel  the  "  intol- 
e.rnhle  burthen  "  of  their  sins. 

1.  Prom  the  Holy  Scriptures. 
I    know,    O    Lord,    that    thy   judgments  are 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  91 

right,  and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast  aflhcted 
me.  I  have  gone  astray  like  a  lost  sheep  ;  O 
seek  Thy  servant.  Redeem  me,  and  be  merciful 
unto  me.  Look  upon  mine  affliction  and  my 
pain,  and  forgive  all  my  sins.  Who  can  under- 
stand his  errors  ?  Cleanse  Thou  me  from  secret 
faults.  Keep  back  Thy  servant  also  from  pre- 
sumptuous sins:  let  them  not  have  dominion  over 
me  ;  then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  be  inno- 
cent from  the  great  transgression.  (Psal.  cxix. 
75.  i76.;  xxvi.  11.  ;  xxv.  18.  ;  xix.  12,  13.) 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to 
Thy  loving  kindness  :  according  to  the  multitude 
of  T'ly  tender  mercies,  blot  out  my  transgressions. 
Was'i  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity,  and 
cleanse  me  from  my  sin  ;  for  I  acknowledge  my 
transgressions,  and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me. 
Wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.  Make 
me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness,  that  the  bones  which 
thou  hast  broken  may  rejoice.  Hide  Thy  face 
from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities. 
<"reate  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  renew  a 
light  spirit  within  me.  Cast  me  not  away  from 
Thy  presence,  and  take  not  thy  Holy  Sptrit 
from  mo.     (Psal.  li.  1—3.  7—11.) 

Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me ;  heal  my  soul,  for 
I  have  sinned  against  Thee.  Enter  not  into 
judgment  with  Thy  servant ;  for  in  Thy  sight  shall 
no  man  living  be  justified.  Shew  me  thy  ways, 
O  Lord,  and  teach  me  thy  paths.  Lead  me  in 
Thy  truth,  and  teach  me  ;  for  Thou  art  the  God 
of  my  salvation  ;  on  Thee  do  1  wait  all  the  day. 
Remember,  O  Lord,  thy  tender  mercies  nnd  Tliy 
loving  kindnesses,  for   they    have    been    ever  of 


92  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

old.  Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor 
my  transgressions:  according  to  Thy  mercy, 
remember  Thou  me  for  Thy  goodness  sake. 
{Psal.  xli.  4.  ;  cxliii.  2. ;  xxv.  4 — 7.) 

With   my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  Thee: 

0  let  me  not  wander  from  Thy  commandments. 
Deliver  me  from  all  my  transgressions.  Remove 
from  me  the  way  of  lying.  Order  my  footsteps 
in  Thy  word  ;  and  let  not  any  iniquity  have 
dominion  over  me.  Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before 
me,  keep  the  door  of  my  lips.  Incline  not  my 
heart  to  any  evil  thing,  to  practise  wicked  works 
with  men  that  work  iniquity.  Help  us,  O  God 
of  our  salvation,  for  the  glory  of  Thy  name.  O 
deliver  us,  and  be  merciful  to  our  sins  for  Thy 
name's  sake.  Hearken  Thou  to  the  supplication 
of  Thy  servant ;  hear  Thou  in  heaven  Thy  dwel- 
ling-place; and  when  Thou  hearest  forgive.    For 

1  do  not  present  my  supplications  before  Thee, 
for  my  righteousness,  but  for  Thy  great  mercies, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen.  (Psal. 
cxix.  10. ;  xxxix.  8. ;  cxix.  33.  ;  cxli.  3,  4. ;  Ixxix. 
9.  1  Kings  viii.  30.  Dan.  xix.  18.  Rom.  vi.  23.) 


2.  From  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer. 

O  Almighty  God  and  Heavenly  Father,  who 
hast  purchased  to  Thyself  an  universal  church, 
by  the  precious  blood  of  Thy  dear  Son  ;  I  heartily 
thank  Thee,  that  by  baptism  I  have  been  ad- 
mitted into  this  Thy  family,  and  called  into  a 
state  of  salvation.     But,  O   merciful  Father,    I 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  93 

have  erred  and  strayed  from  Thy  ways ;  I  have 
done  the  things  which  I  ought  not  to  have  done  ; 
and  I  have  left  undone  the  things  which  I  ought 
to  have  done  ;  and  there  is  no  health  in  me.  In 
thought,  word,  and  deed  I  have  m.ost  grievously 
offended  Thy  Divine  Majesty  ;  and  have  justly 
provoked  Thy  wrath  and  indignation  against  me. 
But,  O  Lord,  who  art  a  merciful  God,  full  of 
compassion,  long  suffering,  and  of  great  pity, 
who  sparest  when  we  deserve  punishment,  and 
in  Thy  wrath  thinkest  upon  mercy  ;  spare  me, 
good  Lord,  spare  me  :  enter  not  into  judgment 
with  me  a  miserable  sinner.  Saviour  of  the 
World !  who  by  Thy  cross  and  precious  blood 
hast  redeemed  me,  save  me  and  help  me.  Lamb 
of  God,  who  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world, 
have  mercy  upon  me.  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest 
away  the  sins  of  the  world,  grant  me  Thy 
peace. 

O  most  merciful  God,  who  dost  so  put  away 
the  sins  of  those  who  truly  repent,  that  Thou 
rememberest  them  no  more,  impute  not  unto  me 
my  former  sins.  For  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ's 
sake  forgive  me  all  that  is  past ;  and  strengthen 
rns  with  Thy  blessed  Spirit,  that  I  may  ever 
hereafter  serve  and  please  Tliee  in  newness  of 
life.  Grant  that  I  may  both  perceive  and  know 
what  things  I  ought  to  do,  and  may  have  grace 
and  power  faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same.  Lord  of 
all  power  and  might  !  Of  Thee  only  it  cometh, 
that  I  can  render  unto  Thee  true  and  laudable 
service.  Let  Thy  grace  always  direct  and  fol- 
low me,  that,  my  heart  and  all  my  members 
being  mortified  from  all  wordly  and  carnal  lusts, 


94  DEVOTIONS    FOR  THE 

1  may  in  all  things  obey  Thy  blessed  will ;  may 
truly  and  faithfully  serve  Thee  ;  and  thus  keeping 
Thy  commandments  both  in  will  and  deed,  may 
finally  obtain  Thy  gracious  promises,  and  be 
made  partaker  of  Thy  heavenly  kingdom, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 


*3.    The  Prayer  of  one  convinced  of  Sin. 

O  merciful  God,  who,  by  the  sending  of  Thy 
Son  into  the  world,  hast  brought  to  pass,  that, 
where  sin  abounded,  there  grace  abounded  much 
more  :  I,  forlorn  wretch,  disquieted  in  mind  and 
afflicted  in  conscience,  for  fear  of  Thy  judgments 
upon  my  sin,  do  with  bended  knees  and  tears 
unfeigned,  as  a  most  humble  supplicant,  implore 
of  thee  some  succor  and  relief.  Open,  O  open 
the  gates  of  Thy  mercy  to  the  greatness  of  my 
miseries.  My  spirit  is  sorrowful ;  my  heart  is 
heavy  :  to  Thee  I  hold  up  my  hands,  to  Thee  I 
lift  up  my  heart;  to  Thee  I  pray,  requiring  of 
Thee  mercy.  O  Lord,  what  shall  I  desire  of 
Thee,  who  deserve  nothing  at  Thy  hands  ?  What 
can  J  hope  for,  that  am  even  heartless  1  Lord  ! 
If  Thou  hast  said,  "  Shall  not  My  soul  be 
avenged  on  such  an  one  as  this  ?"  remember 
thy  promise  elsewhere,  "  I  will  have  mercy  on 
him  that  could  find  no  mercy  :"  and  let  it  light 
on  me. 

O  Lord,  hear  me  speedily  :  if  Thou  do  not, 
then   I    am   out  of  hope.     My    conscience  ac- 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  95 

cuseth  me ;  my  memory  gives  evidence  against 
me,  and  my  reason  condemns  me  ;  my  spirit  is 
weary  of  this  bondage,  I  am  deeply  plunged  in 
discomfort ;  I  have  neither  worth  to  appease  Thy 
wrath,  nor  patience  to  endure  Thine  indignation. 
I  pray  Thee,  therefore,  send  the  comfort  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit  into  my  heart,  and  strengthen  my 
faith,  that  I  be  not  swallowed  up  with  overmuch 
heaviness,  O  Lord  !  Let  Thy  majesty  appear 
in  Thy  mercy  :  forgive  me  my  sins,  the  unhappy 
ground  of  all  this  woe,  and  I  am  recovered  of  all 
mine  infirmities.  Try  not  the  law  with  me,  lest 
I  come  to  judgment.  Sanctify  all  those  good 
means  unto  me,  wherein  I  seek  relief,  as  prayer, 
conference,  reading  and  hearing  of  Thy  Holy 
Word.  Moderate  and  mitigate  my  vexation ; 
increase  my  faith  ;  establish  my  hope ;  grant  me 
patience,  and  keep  me  from  despair.  Take  away 
this  cup  from  me,  if  it  be  Thy  will;  if  not,  suffer 
me  not  to  be  tempted  above  my  strength. 

O  Lord,  look  upon  me — I  go  mourning  all  the 
day  long,  and  am  like  unto  him  that  is  at  the 
point  to  die.  O  Lord,  comfort  me  :  Thou,  that 
wilt  not  break  a  bruised  reed,  spare  me.  O 
Thou,  that  delightest  not  in  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
revive  me.  Though  my  heart  condemn  me  ;  yet, 
gracious  Lord,  Thou  that  art  greater  than  my 
heart,  acquit  me ;  relieve  me,  release  me,  and 
say  unto  my  soul,  "  I  am  Thy  salvation." 
Hearken,  Lord,  unto  my  prayer,  and  grant  me 
my  requests,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


9(5  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

4.  A  Prayer  for  Contrition. 

O  holy  Lord  !  who  art  a  merciful  embracer  of 
true  [lenitents,  but  yet  a  consuming  fire  towards 
obstinate  sinners,  how  shall  I  approach  Thee, 
who  have  so  many  provoking  sins  to  inflame  Thy 
wrath,  and  so  little  sincere  repentance  to  incline 
Thy  mercy  1  O  be  Thou  pleased  to  soften  and 
melt  this  hard  obdurate  heart  of  mine,  that  I 
may  heartily  bewail  the  iniquities  of  my  life. 
Strike  this  rock,  O  Lord,  that  the  waters  may 
flow  out,  even  floods  of  tears  to  wash  my  pol- 
luted conscience.  My  soul  hath  too  long  slept 
securely  in  sin  :  Lord,  awake  it,  though  it  be  with 
thunder,  and  let  me  rather  feel  Thy  terrors,  than 
not  feel  n^iy  sin.  Thou  didst  send  Thy  blessed 
Son  to  heal  the  broken-hearted  ;  but,  Lord,  what 
w^ill  that  avail  me,  if  my  heart  be  whole  ?  O 
break  it,  that  it  may  be  capable  of  this  healing 
virtue  ;  and  grant,  I  beseech  thee,  that  having 
once  tasted  the  bitterness  of  sin,  I  may  flee  from 
it  as  from  the  face  of  a  serpent,  and  bring  forth 
fruits  of  repentance  in  amendment  of  life,  to  the 
praise  and  glory  of  Thy  grace,  in  Jesus  Christ 
our  blessed  Redeemer.     Amen. 


5.  Promises  of  Pardon  to  the  Penitent. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow  to 
anger,  and  of  great  mercy.  lie  will  not  always 
chide,  neither  will  he  keep  his  anger  for  ever. 
He  will  have  compassion  upon  us :  he  will  sub- 
due our  iniquities ;  and  Thou  wilt  cast  all  our  sins 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  97 

into  the  depths  of  the  sea.  For  God  has  recon- 
ciled the  world  unto  himself  by  Jesus  Christ, 
not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them  :  for  he 
hath  made  him  [to  be  a]  sin  [offering]  for  us, 
who  knew  no  sin,  that  we  might  be  made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him.  (Psal.  ciii.  8,  9. 
Micah  vii.  19.    2  Cor.  v.  19.  21.) 

If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin  we  deceive 
ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us  :  but  if  we 
confess  our  sins,  God  is  faithful  and  just  to  for- 
give us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness. Be  it  known  unto  you  therefore, 
brethren,  that  through  Christ  is  preached  unto 
you  the  forgiveness  of  sins.  Behold  the  Lamb 
of  God  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world  : 
he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins.  Surely 
he  hath  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sor- 
rows; yet  did  we  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten 
of  God,  and  afflicted.  But  he  was  wounded  for 
our  transgressions  ;  he  was  bruised  for  our  in- 
iquities :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
him,  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed.  All 
we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray  :  we  have  turned 
every  one  to  his  own  way,  and  the  Lord  hath 
laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all.  (1  John  i.  8,  9. 
Acts  xiii.  38.  John  i.  29.  Matt.  i.  21.  Isa.  liii. 
4— G.) 

If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with  the 
Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.  And  he  is 
the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not  for  ours 
only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world  :  in 
Whom  we  have  redemption  through  his  blood, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the  riches 
of  his  grace.  And  you  that  were  sometimes 
9 


98  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

alienated,  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by  wicked 
works,  yet  now  hath  he  reconciled,  in  the  body 
of  his  flesh  through  death,  to  present  you  holy 
and  unblameable  and  unreproveable  in  his  sight: 
if  ye  continue  in  the  faith  grounded  and  settled, 
and  be  not  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the 
Gospel  which  ye  have  heard.  This  is  a  faithful 
saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ 
Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners.  In 
this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  towards  us, 
because  that  God  sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into 
tiie  world,  that  we  might  live  through  him. 
Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that 
God  loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propiti- 
ation for  our  sins.  If  we  walk  in  the  light  as  He 
is  in  tlie  light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with 
another,  and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son 
cleanseth  us  from  all  sin.  (1  John  ii.  I,  2.  Eph.  i. 
7.  Col.  i.  21—23.  1  Tim.  i.  15.  1  John  iv.  9, 10. 
i.7.) 

For  when  we  were  yet  without  strength,  Christ 
died  for  the  ungodly.  For  scarcely  for  a  right- 
eous man  will  one  die  :  yet  peradventure  for  a 
good  man  some  would  even  dare  to  die.  But 
God  commendeth  his  love  towards  us,  in  that 
while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us  : 
much  more  then,  being  now  justified  by  his  blood, 
we  shall  be  saved  from  wrath  through  him.  For 
if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we  were  reconciled  to 
God  by  the  death  of  his  Son,  much  more  being 
reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by  his  life.  There 
is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  which 
are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh 
but  after  the  spirit.     (Rom.  v.  6 — 10. ;  viii.  1.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  99 

If  Thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  our  iniquities, 
O  Lord,  who  shall  stand  ?  But  there  is  forgive- 
ness with  Thee,  that  Thou  mayest  be  feared. 
(Psal.  cxxx.  3,  4.) 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  : 

If  my  people,  which  are  called  by  my  name, 
shall  humble  themselves,  and  pray,  and  shall  seek 
my  face,  and  turn  from  their  wicked  ways ; 
then  will  I  hear  from  heaven  and  will  forgive 
their  sin.  When  the  wicked  man  turneth  away 
from  his  wickedness,  that  he  hath  cojiimitted, 
and  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall 
save  his  soul  alive.  Because  he  considereth,  and 
turneth  away  from  his  transgressions  that  he 
hath  committed,  he  shall  surely  live,  he  shall  not 
die.  Repent  therefore  and  turn  yourselves  from 
all  your  sins,  so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin. 
Comfort  ye,  comfort  ye,  my  people,  saith  your 
God.  Speak  ye  comfortably  to  Jerusalem,  and 
cry  unto  her  that  her  warfare  is  accomplished, 
that  her  iniquity  is  pardoned.  Return,  ye  back- 
sliding children ;  and  I  will  heal  your  back- 
slidings.  I,  even  I,  am  he  that  blotteth  out  thy 
transgressions  for  mine  own  sake,  and  will  not 
remember  thy  sins.  I  have  blotted  out  as  a  thick 
cloud  thy  transgressions,  and  as  a  cloud  thy  sins  : 
return  unto  me,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee.  Come 
now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  the  Lord  : 
though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as 
white  as  snow  ;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson, 
they  shall  be  as  wool.  As  I  live,  saith  the  Lord 
God,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  the 
wicked  ;  but  that  the  wicked  turn  from  his  way 
and  live.     Turn  ye,  turn  ye  from  your  evil  ways, 


100  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

for  why  will  ye  die?  (2  Chron.  vii.  14.  Isa.  xl. 
1,  2.  Jer.  iii.  22.  Isa.  xliii.  25. :  xliv.  22. ;  i.  18. 
Ezek.  xviii.  27,  28.  30.  ;  xxxiii.  11.) 

Verily  [says  Jesus  Christ] —  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  all  sin  shall  be  forgiven  to  the  sons  of 
men,  and  blaspliemies  wherewith  soever  they 
blaspheme.     (Mark  iii.  28.) 

Unto  him  that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from 
our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath  made  us  Kings 
and  Priests  unto  God  even  his  Father  ;  To  Him 
be  glory  and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 
(Rev.  i.  6,  7.) 


6.  A  Prayer  jor  the   Pardon  of  Sins. 

0  Holy  and  most  merciful  Father,  spare  me, 
Thy  poor  sinful  but  repenting  creature.  Spare, 
me,  good  Lord,  spare  me  ;  and  let  me  not  perish 
in  my  sins,  but  through  Thine  infinite  mercies 
find  pardon  of  the  same.     I  am  a  sinful   person, 

0  Lord,  but  Thou,  O  blessed  Jesu,  art  the 
Saviour  of  sinners  ;  and  Thou  didst  come  into 
the  world  to  call  sinners  to  repentance.     Lord  ! 

1  come  at  Thy  call  ;  cast  me  not  and  my  repent- 
ance away. 

1  have  gone  astray,  and  am  very  defective  in 
my  return  to  Thee,  But  'I'hou,  gracious  Lord, 
knowest  our  frame,  and  considerest  whereof  we 
are  made.  O  be  not  extreme  to  mark  mine 
offences  ;  but  for  Christ's  sake  blot  out  all  mine 
iniquities. 

And  now  that  1  have  found  the  way    to  Thy 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  101 

fear,  let  me  find  the  comforts  of  Thy  mercy. 
My  spirit  is  broken  and  trcmbleth  at  Thy  words  ; 

0  Lord,  revive  it.  It  is  heavy  laden  and  wearied 
with  my  sins  ;  O  my  God,  give  it  ease  from  the 
same.  Pity  me,  O  Father  !  as  a  father  pitieth 
his  own  children.  Receive  me  as  the  offending 
Father  received  the  returning  prodigal.     Though 

1  ivas  lost,  yet  now  by  the  blessing  of  Thy  grace 
I  am  found  again.  O  welcome  Thy  lost  sheep 
when  it  returns  home  ;  and  let  there  be  joy  in 
heaven  on  the  repentance  of  me  a  lost  sinner. 

O  let  the  blood  of  Jesus  cleanse  me  from  all 
my  sins.  Let  his  intercession  for  me  in  Thy 
presence  make  my  peace,  and  appease  thy  wrath. 
Shut  not  thine  ears  against  the  voice  of  his 
blood,  nor  be  deaf  to  his  mediation  ;  but  hear 
HIM,  my  advocate,  for  my  pardon.  And  let  me 
find  the  forgiveness  of  all  my  sins,  that  Thy 
troubled  and  trembling  servant  may  have  peace  ; 
and  that  Thou  mayest  be  sought  unto,  and 
feared,  and  served  by  sinners,  who  wdl  return 
unto  ihee  in  hopes  of  thy  grace  and  pardoning 
mercy,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  and  only 
Saviour.     Amen. 


7.  A  Prayer  that  we  may  not  relapse  into  Sin. 

O  Gracious  God,  the  only  stay  and  comfort  of 
my  soul !  seeing  it  is  thy  will  that  in  all  things 
I  should  sincerely  serve  thee,  and  I  through  thy 
grace  desire  nothing  more  than  to  do  the  same ; 
— How  is  it,  O  my  Lord,  that  I  still  offend  thee  ? 
or  why  do  I  fall  so  often  into  my  former  follies'? 
9* 


102 


DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 


Alas  !  Thy  grace  is  not  wanting  to  me  :  but 
my  ungraciousness,  and  the  corruption  of  my 
nature,  my  slipperiness  and  easiness  to  offend ; 
my  inconstancy  in  my  best  resolutions,  and  my 
forgetfulness  of  my  former  purposes,  are  the 
cause  of  my  declensions.  And  for  this  I  once 
more  humble  my  soul  before  thee  ;  beseeching 
thee  to  lay  aside  thy  rigor,  and  not  to  multiply 
thine  ancrer  accordincr  to  the  measure  that  I  have 
multiplied  my  sins,  but  rather  to  remember 
whereof  I  am  made  ;  that  I  am  as  a  flower,  a 
wind,  a  vapor  that  passeth  away  ;  nay  I  am 
viler  than  all  this, — even  weak  and  sinful  dust 
and  aslies. 

And  yet  thou  hast  visited  and  considered  me 
in  this  my  wretched  condition.  O  then  shew 
thy  strength  in  my  weakness,  thy  glory  in  my 
infirmities  ;  increase  in  me  daily  thy  renewing 
grace,  and  strengthen  me  against  all  future 
temptations :  that  I  may  never  start  aside  again 
like  a  broken  bow  ;  but  may  go  on  from  grace  to 
grace,  though  it  be  with  weak  and  trembling 
steps  till  I  appear  before  the  God  of  gods  in 
k?ion  :  through  Jesus  Christ  my  only  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen. 


8.   Ohscrvaiion.^  or   the  Nature  of  Relapse  into 
Sin. 

To  be  guilty  of  sins  of  weakness  and  surprise 
is  inseparable  from  the  frailty  of  our  present 
state.     "  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  de- 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  103 

ceive  ourselves  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us."  And 
tliough  every  fault,  in  a  religious  and  moral  point 
of  view,  is  doubtless  a  real  sin,  for  which  we  can 
obtain  pardon  only  by  sincere  repentance  towards 
God,  and  by  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  yet 
this  is  not  the  sin  of  a  relapse  ;  that  is,  of  a 
perverse  and  deliberate  repetition  of  former 
transgressions.  In  the  natural  order  of  things, 
we  know  that  the  sick  man,  who  relapses,  or  falls 
back  fi-om  a  state  of  comparative  recovery  into 
severe  disease,  is  on  this  very  account  in  a 
condition  peculiarly  hazardous  ;  and  less  hope 
therefore  can  reasonably  be  entertained  of  his 
recovery.  In  like  manner,  in  the  moral  order  of 
things  relapses  are  yet  more  alarming  ;  the  danger 
becomes  more  imminent,  and  the  cure  (if  not 
impossible)  still  more  precarious,  the  mind  be- 
comes darkened  and  bewildered  ;  the  heart 
gradually  becomes  hardened  :  and  wilful  hard- 
ness of  heart  terminates  either  in  impious  impen- 
itence or  in  despair. 

No  one,  wlio  has  once  "  tasted  of  the  good  word 
of  life,"  suddenly  relapses  into  the  acts  or  the 
habit  of  wilful  sin.  Most  commonly  it  is  pre- 
ceded by  spiritual  languor.  The  once  happy  and 
humble  Christian  ceases  to  "  grow  in  grace." 
The  retired  duties  of  the  closet — reading  and 
meditation  on  the  Word  of  God,  and  private 
])raycr — are  performed  in  a  cold  and  heaitless 
manner.  Domestic  devotion  is  performed  in  a 
languid  and  perfunctory  manner;  and  the  duty 
of  public  worship  is  no  longer  attended  with  the 
requisite  temper  of  mind  and  singleness  of  heart. 
Even  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  if  the  individual 


104-  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

Still  continue  there  a  constrained  and  formal 
attendance  after  a  preparation  necessarily  inade- 
quate, he  will  attend  with  decreasing  disadvan- 
tacre,  until  at  length  he  deserts  it  altogether.  He 
then  falls  with  accelerated  speed  ;  and  l)is  strug- 
gles, if  any  are  made,  will  daily  become  more 
feeble  and  more  ineffectual.  With  declining  love 
to  God  and  his  Son,  the  love  of  our  brethren  of 
mankind,  especially  those  of  the  household  of 
faith,  will  proportionally  decline.  The  society 
and  conversation  of  religious  friends  will  be 
neglected.  Attachments  to  sinful  pleasure  or 
the  inordinate  love  of  the  world  will  supervene, 
and  with  them  their  peculiar  temptations ;  in 
some  cases  to  the  detriment  of  our  morals,  and 
in  all  to  the  injury  of  our  innocence  and  peace. 
Nor  is  it  impossible  that  he  who  thus  walks  in  the 
counsel  of  the  ungodly,  finally  sits  down  in  the 
seat  of  the  scorner;  and,  biassed  by  prejudices 
which  he  has  unjustly  imbibed  against  the  ways 
of  godliness,  accounts  his  previous  piety  to  be 
ridiculous  enthusiasm,  and  his  past  strictness  of 
moral  conduct  to  be  unnecessary  austerity.  This 
is  indeed  a  dreadful  symptom,  because  it  inter- 
cepts the  application  of  the  only  remedy  which 
can  effectually  resist  its  virulence.  It  is  like  the 
lethargy  which  precedes  apoplexy  and  death. 

Such,  however,  is  the  gracious  mercy  of  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  he 
does  not  at  once  abandon  the  backslider  in  heart 
to  be  filled  with  his  own  ways,  *'  He  stands  at 
the  door,"  and  knocks,  by  the  warnings  and  admo- 
nitions of  conscience,  by  his  chastisements,  by 
his  mercies  ;  and  to  all  who  open  the  door  of  their 


At'l'LICTEU     IN     iMlND,  105 

hearts  to  him  by  true  repentance  and  by  lively 
faith,  he  will  return  in  a  way  of  mercy  ;  he  will 
pardon  their  sins  ;  he  will  create  in  them  new 
hearts,  and  will  renew  a  right  spirit  within  them. 
Should  these  humble  pages  fall  into  the  hands 
of  any  one  who  is  conscious  of  spiritual  languor, 
the  writer  would  entreat  him  to  receive  with  can- 
dor and  sincerity    the  following   suggestions  : — 

1.  Examine  lioiv  affairs  stand  between  God  and 
1/Our  sold;  whether  they  arc  as  yon  would  wish 
them  to  he,  if  you  were  tottering  on  the  verge  of 
eternity. 

One  serious  thought  of  eternity  will  shame  a 
thousand  vain  excuses,  with  which  we  are  always 
so  much  inclined  to  impose  upon  ourselves. 
Under  these  secret  misgivings,  do  not  seek  to 
palliate  the  matter ;  or  endeavor  vainly  to  dis- 
guise what  your  conscience  must  certainly 
condemn. 

2.  Pour  out  your  heart  before  the  Almighty,  and 
solicit  the  renewed  infiucnces  of  His  Holy  tSjjirit. 

Do  it  IMMEDIATELY.  Procecd  not  another  step 
in  the  path  of  danger,  in  which  you  are  now 
treading.  Escape  for  your  life.  Lie  not  down 
this  night  to  repose  with  the  sense  of  unpardoned 
transgression,  lest  the  sword  of  divine  justice 
smite  you  before  the  morning.  Do  it  solemnly. 
Withdraw  to  your  closet  for  serious  reflection  : 
hearken  patiently  to  the  remonstrances  of  con- 
science, however  severe;  and  consider  the  aggra- 
vations of  your  offence  in  having  done  this  great 
wickedness,  and  sinned  against  God.  Think  how 
justly  He  might  cast  you  oft',  for  ever,  from  his 
presence ;  and  how  righteously  He  might  inflict 


lOG  DI^VOTIONS    lOlt    THE 

his  heaviest  vengeance  upon  you.  Then  turn 
your  eyes  to  your  Saviour.  Look  upon  Him  whom 
you  have  pierced,  and  mourn.  The  God, — whose 
favors  you  have  shghted,  whose  statutes  you 
have  violated,  whose  promises  you  have  spurned, 
whose  threatenings  you  have  defied,  —  is  never- 
theless a  merciful  God.  But  remember  the 
method  of  reconciliation  which  He  has  appointed. 
You  must  come  to  him  at  present,  as  at  first  you 
came,  in  the  name  and  through  the  intercession 
of  the  Redeemer.  Upon  tliat  all-powerful  sup- 
port you  must  rest  your  hopes  of  pardon  and 
acceptance.  Through  Him  you  must  renew  your 
application  for  divine  grace  :  by  his  blood  alone 
can  your  soul  be  purified  afresh  ;  and  your 
recently  contracted  guilt  a  second  time  removed. 
He  will  delight  to  raise  you  up  when  prostrate  at 
his  feet ;  to  enable  you  to  sanction  again  that 
broken  covenant,  which  His  Father  might  have 
avenged  by  terrible  things  in  righteousness  ;  and 
to  inspire  you  with  a  fuller  conviction  of  your 
natural  weakness  ;  and  a  more  entire  dependence 
upon  the  Holy  Spirit  for  your  future  security. 

3.  Resume,  ivith  increased  strictness^  your  habits 
of  private  prayer  and  self-examination. 

Read  the  Scriptures,  especially  the  more  spi- 
ritual parts,  with  increased  diligence.  Labor  to 
feel  in  the  perusal,  what  you  have  reason  to 
believe  the  sacred  writers  felt  in  the  composition 
of  them  ;  and  receive  with  all  simplicity  and 
meekness  their  divinely  inspired  instructions. 

3.  Further,  if  your  fall  has  given  scandal  to 
others,  confess  your  guilt  before  them  loith  all 
frankness  and  humility ^  and  entreat  their  for- 
giveness. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  1U7 

Resent  not,  nor  shrink  from,  the  rigor  of 
faitliful  admonition,  tlioiigh  it  may  he  excessive  : 
to  be  censured  and  condemned  by  men,  will  ap- 
pear but  a  very  small  thing  to  one,  who  is  tho- 
roughly humbled  under  a  sense  of  having  offended 
his  Maker.  Recollect,  that  your  principal  concern 
is  with  Him,  to  whose  piercing  eye  every  object 
is  most  entirely  exposed,  "  Yea,  the  darkness 
hideth  not  from  him  ;  but  the  night  shineth  as 
the  day."  Prostrate  yourself,  then,  at  His  foot- 
stool ;  and  seek  anxiously,  through  the  merits  of 
the  great  Mediator,  a  renewal  of  his  favour. 

4.  Seek  and  cultivate  the  society  of  those  whose 
progress  is  attested  hy  the  superior  piety  of  their 
lives. 

Labor  to  obtain  their  temper,  sentiments,  and 
conduct:  and,  as  a  means  to  this  end,  employ 
your  leisure  in  studying  practical  works  of  devo- 
tion, in  which  you  can  tasle  the  genuine  fruits  of 
Christianity. 

5.  Seize  the  first  opportunity  of  attending  the 
Lord's  Table  ;•  and  spare  neither  time  nor  pains  in 
preparing  J  or  it. 

There,  while  you  partake  of  the  memorials  of 
your  Redeemer's  death,  and  of  the  innumerable 
benefits  which  he  hath  obtained  to  us  by  his  pre- 
cious blood-shedding,  renew  your  covenant  en- 
gagement with  God.  Surrender  your  soul  into 
the  hands  of  His  Son  ;  and  resolve,  more  strenu- 
ously than  ever  to  live  unto  Him  who  died  for 
you.  Watch  over  your  heart,  that  the  good 
impressions  you  then  feel  may  continue;  and 
rest  not,  until  you  have  recovered  or  advanced 
beyond  the  ground  you  have  lost. 


108  DEVOTlUiVs;    FOR    THE 

(3.  Finally,  For  the  sake  of  future  caution  bear 
in  mind  your  grievous  fall,  even  after  it  is  forgiven. 

AVeep  over  it  in  )uur  houi\s  ol' retirement ;  and 
view,  with  humiliation  as  well  as  gratitude,  the 
scar — when  the  wound  is  healed  :  for  God  estab- 
lishes his  covenant,  not  to  obliterate  the  sense 
of  past  abomination,  but  that  "  thou  mayest 
remember,  and  be  confounded,  and  never  open 
thy  mouth  any  more  because  of  thy  shame,  even 
when  I  am  pacified  towards  thee  for  all  that 
thou  hast  done,  saith  the  Lord  God."  (Ezek. 
xvi.  63.)* 


9.  A  Prayer  after  a  Relapse  into  Sin. 

O  Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  who 
hast  compassion  upon  all  men  and  hatest  nothing 
that  Thou  hast  made,  who  wouldest  not  the  death 
of  a  sinner,  but  that  he  should  rather  turn  from 
his  sin  and  be  saved  :  Mercifully  forgive  me  my 
trespasses ;  receive  and  comfort  me,  who  am 
grieved  and  wearied  with  the  burden  of  my  sins. 
Thy  property  is  always  to  have  mercy  ;  to  Thee 
only  it  appertaineth  to  forgive  sins.  Spare  me 
therefore,  O  Good  Lord,  spare  me  whom  Thou 
hast  redeemed  ;  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 


*  The  preceding  considerations  are  chiefly  abridged 
from  the  twenty-second  and  twenty-third  chapters  of  Dr. 
Doddridge's  ''  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  in  the  Soul," 
at  the  close  of  which  are  suitable  prayers  for  one  whose 
piety  has  declined,  and  who  has  also  relapsed  into  open 
sin. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  109 

servant,  who  am  vile  earth  and  a  miserable  sin- 
ner :  but  so  turn  Thine  anger  from  me,  who 
meekly  acknowledge  my  vileness,  and  truly  repent 
me  of  my  faults,  and  so  make  haste  to  help  me  in 
this  world,  that  I  may  ever  live  with  Thee  in  the 
world  to  come,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord. 
Amen. 


10.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

0  Lord  God  Almighty,  just  and  true,  thou  only 
Sovereign  of  the  world,  on  whom  is  all  my  depend- 
ence, and  from  whom  is  all  my  hope  and  expect- 
ation; I  am  ashamed  and  blush  to  appear  before 
Thee,  seeing  I  have  so  highly  offended  Thy 
Divine  Majesty.  I  know  not  how  to  lift  up  mine 
eyes  unto  heaven  ;  but  am  forced  to  smite  upon 
my  breast,  and  call  upon  Thee  to  have  mercy 
upon  me  a  sinner. 

1  HAVE  sinned  against  Thee  from  time  to  time, 
and  have  aggravated  my  sins  with  many  heinous 
and  dreadful  circumstances  :  and  though  I  have 
resolved,  and  promised,  and  vowed  amendment, 
yet  have  I  again  broken  my  faith,  relapsed  into 
my  former  guill,  and  have  thereby  cutoff  myself 
from  all  right  to  Thy  promises. 

And  what  can  I  now  plead  for  myself?  From 
the  bar  of  Thy  justice  I  ffee  to  the  throne  of  Thy 
mercy  ;  beseeching  Thee  to  be  flivorable  unto 
me,  because  Thou  delightest  in  mercy.  O  let  me 
not  be  miserable  ;  though  I  have  taken  the  ready 
road  to  misery,  have  perverted  my  ways,  and 
10 


110  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

have  run  upon  destruction  with  my  eyes  open.  I 
acknowledge  with  shame  and  sorrow  that  I  have 
sinned  against  Thee,  when  I  knew  myself  to  be  in 
Thy  presence,  and  when  I  was  fully  convinced 
how  evil  and  bitter  a  thing  sin  is.  My  conscience 
accuses  me  ;  my  heart  condemns  me  ;  and  Thou, 
who  art  greater  than  my  heart  and  knowest  all 
things,  mayest  justly  stop  Thine  ears,  when  I  cry 
unto  Thee  in  the  anguish  of  my  soul.  Father  !  I 
have  sinned  against  heaven  and  before  Thee,  and 
am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  Thy  son.  I  have 
sinned  against  the  light  of  Thy  Gospel,  and  thine 
infinite  love  to  me  ;  against  the  terrors  of  Thy 
threatenings,  the  drawings  of  Thy  mercy,  the 
rebukes  of  Thy  Spirit,  the  checks  of  my  own  con- 
science, and  my  most  solemn  vows  and  engage- 
ments. 

Yet  is  not  my  sin  too  great  for  Thee  to  pardon 
or  remove  from  Thee,  that  I  may  never  more 
repeat  it.  If  Thou  wilt,  Thou  canst  make  me  whole 
again.  The  more  my  wickedness  has  abounded, 
the  more  therefore  let  thy  grace  and  mercy 
abound.  Absolve  me  from  the  guilt,  deliver  me 
from  the  power,  cleanse  me  from  pollution,  save 
me  from  the  punishment  of  this  and  all  my  other 
ofl^ences ;  reconcile  me  to  thyself  here,  and 
crown  me  with  immortal  glory  hereafter,  through 
Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate.     Amen. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  Ill 


II.  A  Prayer  for  Pracc  of  31ind,  and  Comfort 
in  the  Enjoyment  of  it. 

O  Gracious  Father,  let  me  have  Thy  peace, 
and  comfort  my  trembling  and  broken  heart  with 
the  hopes  thereof.  Cause  me  to  hear  the  voice 
of  joy  and  gladness ;  and  revive  me  with  the 
assurance  of  Thy  love.  O  that  I  may  be  able, 
from  mine  own  experience,  to  speak  great  things 
of  Thy  readiness  to  receive  and  comfort  return- 
ing sinners  ;  and  thereby  draw  back  others  to 
Thy  service,  who  are  still  running  astray.  O 
that,  by  seeing  Thy  goodness  towards  me,  every 
one  that  is  godly  may  seek  to  Thee  in  their  dis- 
tress, and  find  mercy  as  I  have  done. 

But,  Lord,  having  found  Thy  mercy  to  poor 
sinners,  let  me  not  abuse  it,  or  presume  upon  it. 
Let  me  not  presume  to  repeat  my  sins,  because 
Thou  art  ready  to  grant  forgiveness.  When 
Thou  hast  spoken  comfortably  to  me,  make  me 
careful  to  sin  no  more  lest  a  worse  thing  come 
upon  me  ;  but  to  continue  in  all  holy  obedience 
unto  Thee,  and  never  more  return  to  folly.  Let 
the  sense  of  Thy  mercies,  O  my  God,  serve  no 
other  use  in  me,  but  to  support  me  in  Thy  fear, 
until  I  come  at  length  to  enjoy  Thy  favor  through 
Jesus  Christ  my  Lord.     Amen. 


112  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 


SECTION  II. 

DEVOTIONS    ADAPTED    TO     CIRCUMSTANCES    OF     SPIRITUAL 
DISTRESS. 

I  am  FEEBLE  and  sore  broken. — Psal.  xxxviii.  8. 

I.  Complaint  and  Prayers  of  a  Soul  that  feels  its 
Weakness. 

1.   Complaint  of  a  Soul  that  feels  its  Weakness. 

Whrit  is  my  strength,  that  I  should  hope? 
And  what  is  mine  end,  that  I  should  prolong  my 
life  ?  Though  I  speak,  my  grief  is  not  assuaged; 
and  though  I  forbear,  what  am  I  eased  ?  But 
now  he  hath  made  me  weary.  Be  not  far  from 
me,  for  trouble  is  near ;  for  there  is  none  to  help 
me.  My  life  is  spent  with  grief,  and  my  years 
with  sighing.  My  strength  faileth  because  of 
mine  iniquity,  and  my  bones  are  consumed. 
Hear  me  speedily,  O  Lord,  my  spirit  faileth.  I 
am  poured  out  like  water,  and  all  my  bones  are 
out  of  joint.  My  heart  is  like  wax  ;  it  is  melted 
in  the  midst  of  my  bowels.  My  strength  is  dried 
up  like  a  pot-sherd.  I  am  feeble  and  sore  bro- 
ken;  I  have  roared  by  the  disquietness  of  my 
heart.  Lord,  all  my  desire  is  before  Thee.  My 
heart  panteth,  my  strength  faileth  me  ;  as  for  the 
light  of  mine  eyes,  it  is  also  gone  from  me.  (Job 
vi.  11.  ;  xvi.  6,  7.  Psal.  xxxi.  10.  ;  cxliii.  7.  ; 
xxii.  14,  15;  xxxviii.  8 — 10.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  113 

2.  A  Prayer  {in  the  Language  of  the  Holy  Scrips 
tures)  Jor  one  who  is  conscious  of  his  Weak?iess. 

Ill  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trusl,  let  me 
never  be  ashamed  ;  deliver  me  in  Thy  righteous- 
ness. Bow  down  Thine  ear  to  me,  deliver  me 
speedily:  be  Thou  my  strong  rock  for  an  house 
of  defence  to  save  me.  For  Thou  art  my  rock 
and  my  fortress  ;  therefore  for  Thy  name's  sake, 
lead  me  and  guide  me  :  ....  for  Thou  art  my 
strength.  Hear  me,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
me :  Lord,  be  Thou  my  Helper.  Make  haste 
to  help  me,  O  Lord,  my  salvation.  O  spare  me 
that  1  may  recover  strength  before  I  go  hence, 
and  be  no  more.  Hear  me  speedily,  O  Lord  : 
my  spirit  faileth ;  hide  not  Thy  face  from  me, 
lest  I  be  like  unto  them  that  go  down  into  the 
pit.  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  loving  kindness  in  the 
morning:  for  in  Thee  do  I  trust:  cause  me  to 
know  the  way  wherein  I  should  walk,  for  I  lift 
up  my  soul  unto  Thee.  Mine  eyes  are  unto 
Thee,  -O  God  the  Lord  ;  in  Thee  is  my  trust, 
leave  not  my  soul  destitute.  Cast  me  not  off  in 
the  time  of  old  age  ;  forsake  me  not  when  my 
strength  faileth.  My  soul  melteth  for  heaviness; 
strengthen  Thou  me,  according  to  Thy  word. 
Hold  up  my  goings  in  Thy  paths,  that  my  foot- 
steps slip  not.  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  with 
the  favor  that  Thou  bearest  unto  Thy  people  ; 
O  visit  me  with  Thy  salvation,  that  I  may  see 
the  good  of  Thy  chosen  ;  that  I  may  rejoice  in 
the  gladness  of  Thy  nation;  that  I  may  glory 
with  thine  inheritance.  (Psal.  xxxi.  I — 4. ;  xxx. 
10* 


114  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

10. ;  xxxviii.  22. ;  xxxix.  13.  ;   cxliii.  7,  8. ;   cxli. 
8. ;  Ixxi.  9.  ;  cxix.  28. ;  xvii.  4. ,  cvi.  4,  5.) 


2.  Another  Prayer,  on  the  same  Occasion,  from 
the  Liturgy. 

O  Lord,  who  seest  that  I  have  no  power,  of 
myself,  to  help  mysdf,  raise  up  Thy  great  power, 
I  beseech  Thee,  and  with  great  might  succor 
me.  And  as  Thou  knowest  me  to  bo  set  in  the 
midst  of  so  many  and  great  dangers,  that  by 
reason  of  the  frailty  of  our  nature,  I  cannot  alway 
stand  upright,  grant  to  me  such  strength,  as  may 
support  me  in  all  dangers,  and  carry  me  through 
all  temptations.  Thou,  O  God,  art  the  protector 
of  all  that  trust  in  Thee,  and  without  Thee  no- 
thing is  strong,  nothing  is  holy.  Increase  and 
multiply  upon  me  Thy  mercy,  that.  Thou  being 
my  ruler  and  guide,  I  may  so  pass  through  things 
temporal,  that  finally  I  lose  not  the  things  eternal. 
Grant  this,  O  Heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.      Amen. 


3.  Promises  of  Strength  and  Support. 

The  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the  Lord  ; 
he  is  their  strength  in  the  time  of  trouble.  Be 
of  good  courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  your 
heart,  all  ye  that  hope  in  the  Lord.  [The 
righteous]  shall  not  be  moved  for  ever.  ...    He 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  115 

shall  not  be  afraid  of  evil  tidings  ;  his  heart  is 
fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  Ilis  heart  is  estab- 
lished ;  he  shall  not  be  afraid.  The  Lord  will 
give  strength  unto  his  people  :  the  Lord  will 
bless  his  people  with  peace.  He  giveth  power 
to  the  faint :  and  unto  them  that  have  no  might, 

he  increaseth  strength They  that  wait  upon 

the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength  ;  they  shall 
mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles :  they  shall  run 
and  not  be  weary,  they  shall  walk  and  not  faint. 
The  Lord  is  their  strength.  He  satisfieth  the 
longing  soul ;  and  filleth  the  hungry  soul  with 
goodness.  He  shall  deliver  the  needy  when  he 
crieth  ;  the  poor  also,  and  him  that  hath  no 
helper.  He  will  keep  the  feet  of  his  saints.  The 
Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall,  and  raiseth  up  all 
thofse  that  be  bowed  down.  Though  he  fall,  he 
shall  not  be  utterly  cast  dokvn  ;  for  the  Lord 
upholdeth  him  with  his  hand.  (Psal.  xxxvii.  39.  ; 
xxxi.  24  ;  cxxii.  6,  7.  ;  xxxi.  IL  Isa.  xl.29.  3L  ; 
xxviii.  8. ;  cvii.  9.  ;  Ixxii.  12.  1  Sam.  ii.  9.  Psal. 
cxlv.  14. ;  xxxvii.  24.) 

God  is  faithful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  be 
tempted  above  that  ye  are  able  ;  but  will  with 
the  temptation  also  make  a  way  to  escape,  that 
ye  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  Who  will  also  con- 
firm you  unto  the  end,  that  ye  may  be  blameless 
in  the  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  God  is 
faithful,  by  whom  ye  were  called  unto  the  fel- 
lowship of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Like- 
wise the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmities,  for 
we  know  not  what  we  should  ])ray  for  as  we 
ought ;  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  intercession 
for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot   be  uttered. 


116  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

And  when  ye  shall  see  this,  your  heart  shall  rejoice  ; 
.  .  .  .  and  the  hand  of  the  Lord  shall  be  known 
towards  his  servants.  The  Lord  is  faithful,  who 
shall  stablish  you  and  keep  you  from  evil,  (1 
Cor.  X.  13.  ;  i.  8,  9.  Rom.  viii.  '26.  Isa.  xlvi.  14. 
2  Thess  iii.  3.) 

Fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee  ;  be  not  dismayed, 
for  I  am  thy  God,  I  will  strengthen  thee,  yea, 
I  will  help  thee,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right 
hand  of  my  righteousness.  For  I,  the  Lord  thy 
God,  will  hold  ihy  right  hand,  saying  unto  thee, 
Fear  not ;  I  will  help  thee,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
thy  Redeemer,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel.  My 
grace  is  sufficient  for  thee ;  for  my  strength  is 
made  perfect  in  weakness.  1  will  seek  that  which 
was  lost,  and  bring  again  that  which  was  driven 
away,  and  will  bind  up  that  which  was  broken, 
and  will  strengthen  that  which  was  sick.  (Isa. 
xli.  10,  13,  14.  2  Cor.  xii.  9.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  16.) 


II.   ComplaiJit  and  Prayers  of  an  affiictcd  Soul. 

1.   Complaint  of  a  deeply  afflicted  Soul. 

How  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  O  Lord  ?  For 
ever?  How  long  wilt  Thou  hide  Thy  face  from 
me?  My  God  !  My  God  !  why  hast  Thou  for- 
saken me  ?  Thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  me.  My 
spirit  is  overwhelmed  within  me  ;  my  heart  within 
me  is  desolate.  My  soul  also  is  sore  vexed  ;  but 
thou,  O  Lord,  how  long?  Hear  my  prayer,  O 
Lord,  and  give  ear  unto  my  cry.     O   spare  me 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  117 

that  I  may  recover  strength,  before  I  go  hence 
and  be  no  more.  (Psal.  jiii.  1. ;  xxii.  I.;  Ixxxviii. 
7. ;  cxliii.  4.  ;  xxxix.  13.) 

O  that  I  were  as  in  months  past,  as  in  the 
days  when  God  preserved  me ;  .  .  .  .  when  the 
secret  of  God  was  upon  my  tabernacle.  O  my 
God,  I  cry  in  the  day-time,  but  Thou  hearest  not  ; 
and  in  the  night  season,  and  am  not  silent.  I 
watch,  and  am  as  a  sparrow  alone  upon  the 
house-top.  My  bones  are  pierced  in  me  in  the 
night  season,  and  my  sinews  take  no  rest.  Thou 
boldest  mine  eyes  waking  ;  I  am  so  troubled  that 
I  cannot  speak.  As  a  servant  earnestly  desireth 
the  shadow,  and  as  an  hireling  looketh  for  the 
rcivard  of  his  work,  so  am  I  made  to  possess 
months  of  vanity,  and  wearisome  nights  are  ap- 
pointed unto  me.  When  I  lie  down,  I  say, 
"  When  shall  I  arise,  and  the  night  be  gone?" 
And  I  am  full  of  tossing  to  and  fro,  unto  the 
dawning  of  the  day.  When  I  say,  "  My  bed 
shall  comfort  me,  my  couch  shall  ease  my  com- 
plaint ;  "  then  Thou  scarest  me  with  dreams,  and 
temptest  me  through  visions.  My  soul  is  weary 
of  my  life,  I  will  speak  in  the  bitterness  of  my 
soul.  O  that  I  might  have  my  request,  and  that 
God  would  grant  me  the  thing  that  I  long  for. 
O  that  Thou  wouldest  hide  me  in  the  grave  !  that 
Thou  wouldest  keep  me  in  secre;,  until  Thy  wrath 
be  past ;  that  Thou  wouldest  appoint  me  a  set 
time  and  remember  me.  (Job  xxix.  2.  4.  Psal. 
xxii.  2.  ;  cii.  7.  Job  xxx.  17.  Psal.  Ixxvii.  4. 
Job  vii.  2 — 4. ;  xiii.  14.  ;  x.  1.  ;  vi.  8. ;  xiv.  13.) 


118  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

2.  Prayers,  in   the  Language   of  Scripture,  for 
Persons  under  Spiritual  Distress. 

(1.)  O  Lord!  hear,  when  I  cry  with  my 
voice ;  have  mercy  also  upon  me,  and  answer  me. 
Hide  not  Thy  face  from  me  ;  put  not  Thy  servant 
away  in  anger.  Thou  hast  been  my  help ;  leave 
me  not,  neither  forsake  me,  O  God  of  my  salvation. 
Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  presence.  Take  not 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me.  Return,  O  Lord  ! 
How  long?  And  let  it  repent  Thee  concerning 
thy  servants.  Return,  O  God  of  Hosts ;  look 
down  from  heaven,  and  behold  and  visit  this  vine, 
and  the  vineyard  which  Thy  right  hand  hath 
planted.  (Psal.  xxvii.  7.9.;  li.  11.:  xc.  13.; 
Ixxx.  J  5,  16.) 

Why  standest  Thou  afar  off,  O  God  ?  Why 
hidest  Thou  Thyself  in  times  of  trouble  ?  Arise, 
O  Lord  !  O  God,  lift  up  Thine  hand  :  forget  not 
the  afflicted.  Turn  us  ag"in,  O  Lord  God  of 
Hosts  ;  cause  Thy  face  to  shine,  and  we  shall  be 
saved.  Awake  !  Why  sleepest  thou,  O  Lord  ! 
Arise  ;  cast  us  not  off  forever.  Turn  us,  O  God 
of  our  salvation,  and  cause  Thine  anger  towards 
us  to  cease.  Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  us  for 
ever  ?  Wilt  thou  draw  out  thine  anger  to  all 
generations  1  Wilt  Thou  not  revive  us  again, 
that  Thy  people  may  rejoice  in  Thee  ?  Shew  us 
Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  and  grant  us  Thy  salvation. 
There  be  many  that  say.  Who  will  shew  us  any 
good  1  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  of  Thy  counte- 
nance upon  us.  (Psal.  x.  1.  12.  :  Ixxx.  20.;  xliv. 
23. ;  Ixxxv.  4 — 7. ;  iv.  6.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  119 

(2.)  He^r  me,0  Lord  ;  for  Thy  loving-kind- 
ness is  good  ;  turn  unto  me  according  to  the 
multitude  of  Thy  tender  mercies,  and  hide  not 
Thy  face  from  Thy  servant :  for  I  am  in  trouble. 
Hear  me  speedily :  draw  nigh  to  my  soul,  and 
redeem  it  :  deliver  me  because  of  mine  enemies. 
(Psal.  Ixix.  16—18.) 

Consider  and  hear  me,  O  Lord  my  God  ; 
lighten  mine  eyes  lest  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  death. 
My  soul  is  sore  vexed  ;  but  thou,  O  Lord,  how 
long  ?  Return,  O  Lord  ;  deliver  my  soul  ;  O  save 
me  for  Thy  mercies'  sake.  Make  Thy  face  to 
shine  upon  Thy  servant.  Look  upon  me  and  be 
merciful  unto  me,  as  Thou  usest  to  do  unto  those 
that  love  Thy  name.  (Psal.  xiii.  4.  ;  vi.  3,  4.  : 
xxxi.  16.  ;  cxix.  132.) 


(3.)  O  Lord,  correct  me,  but  with  judgment ; 
not  in  Thine  anger,  lest  Thou  bring  me  to 
nothing.  Be  not  far  from  me,  for  trouble  is 
near  ;  for  there  is  none  to  help.  O  my  strength  ! 
Haste  Thee  to  help  me.  Turn  Thee  unto  me, 
and  have  mercy  upon  me  ;  for  I  am  desolate  and 
afflicted.  Make  Thy  face  to  shine  upon  Thy 
servant  and  teach  me  Thy  statutes.  Forsake  me 
not,  O  Lord  ;  O  my  God,  be  not  far  from  me. 
Make  haste  to  help  me,  O  Lord  my  salvation, 
O  God,  in  the  multitudeof  Thy  mercy,  hear  me, — 
in  the  truth  of  Thy  salvation.  Strengthen  me, 
help  me  ;  uphold  me  with  the  right  hand  of  Thy 
righteousness;  that  my  heart  may  be  established 
unblameable  in    righteousness    before   Thee,  at 


120  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  with  all 
his  saints.  Amen.  (Psal.  xxv.  IG. ;  cxix.  35.; 
xxxviii.  21,  22. :  Ixix.  113.  Isa.  xli.  10.  1  Thess. 
iii.  13.) 


(4.)  Hear  my  cry,  O  God !  Attend  unto  my 
prayer.  From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  cry 
unto  Thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed  :  lead 
me  to  tlie  rock  that  is  higher  than  I.  O  Lord  ! 
rebuke  me  not  in  Thine  anger  :  neither  chasten 
me  in  Thy  hot  displeasure.  Have  mercy  upon 
me,  O  Lord,  for  I  am  weak.  O  Lord,  heal  me, 
for  my  bones  are  vexed  :  my  soul  is  also  sore 
vexed.  Withhold  not  Thy  tender  mercies  from 
me,  O  Lord  :  let  Thy  loving-kindness  and  thy 
truth  continually  preserve  me.  Let  Thy  mercies 
also  come  unto  me,  O  Lord  ;  even  Thy  salva- 
tion, according  to  Thy  word.  Let,  I  pray  thee, 
Thy  merciful  kindness  be  for  my  comfort,  ac- 
cording to  Thy  word  unto  Thy  servant.  Amen. 
(Psal.  Ixi.  1,  2.  ;  vi.  1,  2.  ;  xl.  11.  ;  cxix.  41.  76.) 

3.   Other  Prayers  for  Persons  under  Spiritual 
Distress. 

(i.)  From  the  Liturgy. 

O  Blessed  Lord,  the  Father  of  all  mercies, 
and  the  God  of  all  comforts,  I  beseech  Thee, 
look  down  in  pity  and  compassion  upon  me  Thy 
afflicted  servant.  Thou  writest  bitter  things 
against  me,  and  makcst  me  to  possess  my  former 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  121 

iniquities  ;  Thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  me,  and 
my  soul  ir:  fall  of  trouble.  But,  O  merciful  God, 
who  hast  written  Thy  holy  word  for  our  learning, 
that  we  through  patience  and  comfort  of  thy 
Holy  {Scriptures  might  have  hope  :  Give  me  a 
right  understanding  of  myself,  and  of  Thy  threats 
and  promises,  that  1  may  neither  cast  away  my 
confidence  in  Thee,  nor  place  it  any  where 
but  in  Thee.  Give  me  strength  against  all  my 
temptation,  and  heal  all  my  distempers.  Break 
not  the  bruised  reed,  nor  quench  the  smoking 
flax.  Shut  not  up  Thy  tender  mercies  in  dis- 
pleasure ;  but  make  me  to  hear  of  joy  and  glad- 
ness, that  the  bones  which  Thou  hast  broken  may 
rejoice.  Deliver  me  from  fear  of  the  enemy, 
and  lift  np  the  light  of  Thy  countenance  upon 
me  ;  and  give  me  peace  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


(2.)  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion, 

O  my  dear  God  and  most  merciful  Father,  who 
hast  not  only  directed  but  encouraged  me  in  all 
my  troubles  to  call  upon  Thee  :  Hear,  I  beseech 
Thee,  the  complaints  that  I  now  make,  and  the 
prayers  which  I  pour  forth  in  the  anguish  and 
bitterness  of  my  spirit  ;  for  Thou  hast  shown  me 
heavy  things,  O  God,  and  in  the  midst  of  all  my 
prosperity,  hast  been  pleased  to  mingle  a  bitter 
eup  for  me. 

What  the  troubles  of  my  heart  are,  how  heavy 
they  lie  upon  me,  how  deeply  they  wound  me,  I 

n 


122  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

need  not  labor  to  express  to  Thee,  for  all  my 
comfort  is,  that  nothing  is  hidden  from  Thee. 
For,  not  only  the  blessings  which  Thou  hast 
poured  upon  me  through  all  the  minutes  and 
moments  of  my  life,  but  the  afflictions  which  I 
now  groan  under,  come  from  the  same  hand,  to 
arouse  me  and  awake  me  to  a  more  devout  and 
earnest  way  of  serving  Thee. 

And  since  it  is  Thy  own  work,  look  down  with 
the  more  pity  on  this  wounded  soul  of  mine. 
See,  O  my  God,  how  I  pant  and  labor  under  the 
heavy  scourge  of  thy  displeasure ;  a  scourge 
which  my  own  sins  have  twisted,  and  mine  own 
iniquities  have  drawn  down  upon  me. 

But,  O  my  dear  Father,  to  whom  it  is  more 
easy  to  do  all  things,  than  for  me  to  ask  any 
thing  that  is  good  ; — Thou  that  has  promised 
to  all  them  that  love  thee,  that  they  shall  not 
be  tempted  farther  than  they  shall  be  able  to 
bear: — Give,  I  beseech  Thee,  that  measure  of 
grace  and  patience  to  Thy  sad  and  afflicted  ser- 
vant ;  that  I  may  not  only  endure  what  Thou 
layest  upon  me ;  but  entirely,  willingly,  and 
cheerfully  submit  my  will  to  Thine. 

And,  O  thou  God  of  comfort  and  Spirit  of  all 
consolation,  be  not  only  with  me,  but  with  all  of 
niy  relations,  that  mourn  in  secret  either  for 
their  own  sins  or  sufferings,  or  whatsoever  bit- 
terness Thou  shalt  think  fit  to  lay  upon  us.  O 
teach  us  all  to  look  up  to  the  hand  from  whence 
these  judgments  come,  to  kiss,  and  to  adore  it. 
And  when  Thou  hast  done  so,  lei  Thy  mercy  go 
one  step  farther  with  me,  and  compose  my 
troubled  mind  into  such  a  calm,  that  none  of  my 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  123 

sufferings, — whatsoever  they  are  or  may  be — 
may  either  make  me  repine  at  Thy  judgments 
or  despair  of  Thy  mercies:  But,  rather,  let  all 
that  is  afflictive  to  me,  serve  only  to  wean  me 
from  the  world,  and  draw  me  the  nearer  unto 
Thee.  But,  because  this  cannot  be  done  without 
Thee,  O  thou  Preserver  of  men,  behold  I  throw 
myself  and  all  that  is  dear  to  me,  clearly  and 
entirely  into  Thine  arms,  to  do  with  me  whatso- 
ever shall  be  good  in  Thine  eyes. 

And  therefore,  amidst  all  the  unquiet  thoughts 
which  now  trouble  and  disorder  me,  say  unto 
me,  as  Thou  didst  to  Thy  disciples  in  the  storm, 
"  Fear  not !  It  is  I."  Or  else,  ifThoushalt 
find  it  better  for  me,  that  I  should  find  no  calm 
abroad  in  the  midst  of  the  various  changes  and 
chances  of  this  world,  let  me  find  it  at  least  in 
my  own  breast  and  bosom  ;  and  possess  my  soul 
in  patience,  whatever  other  storms  Thou  shalt 
please  to  raise  against  me  :  that,  so  being  placed 
under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings  and  refreshed 
here  with  the  comforts  of  Thy  Spirit,  I  may  long 
earnestly  for  that  blessed  day,  when  all  tears 
shall  be  wiped  from  mine  eyes,  and  all  sorrows 
shall  be  forgotten. 

Grant  this,  O  my  God,  for  Thy  Son's  sake, 
who  sits  at  Thy  right  hand  to  mediate  for  me  : — 
Giant  it  for  thy  Holy  Spirit's  sake,  who  pleads 
for  me  and  all  that  love  Thee  witli  groans  that 
cannot  be  expressed  : — Grant  it  for  Thine  own 
sake,  O  my  God,  who  art  never  more  Thyself 
than  when,  in  the  midst  of  judgment.  Thou  re- 
memberest  mercy.     Amen.     Amen. 


124  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

(3.)  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

Almighty  God,  who  beholdest  with  compassion 
and  mercy  the  weaknesses  and  fraikies  of  us  Thy 
sinful  creatures  ;  Look  down  on  me,  I  beseech 
Thee,  and  deliver  me,  if  it  be  Thy  blessed  will, 
from  the  distress  of  mind  under  which  I  labor. 
Strengthen  my  judgment,  and  inform  my  under- 
standing, that  1  may  rightly  know  my  duty  :  and 
grant  that  I  may  act  on  all  occasions,  and  in 
every  circumstance  of  life,  in  the  manner  most 
acceptable  to  Thee.  i*ardon  my  secret  sins  and 
infirmities ;  and  preserve  me  from  all  wilful  neg- 
lects and  offences.  If  thou  seest  it  consistent 
with  Thy  glory  and  the  everlasting  welfare  of  my 
soul,  fill  me  with  that  fervency  of  affection 
towards  Thee,  and  witii  that  measure  of  spiritual 
comfort  and  assurance,  which  may  preserve  my 
mind  in  a  frame  of  cheerfulness  and  composure. 
But,  if  trouble  and  bitterness  of  mind  be  more 
expedient  for  me,  continue  to  me  both  this  and 
all  other  afflictions  which  Thou  seest  most  condu- 
cive to  my  future  happiness ;  and  grant  that  I 
may  bear  them  with  patience  and  resignation. 
Let  Thy  Holj  Spirit  direct  and  support  me  under 
every  trial,  and  enable  me  so  to  walk  in  Thy  faith 
and  fear,  that  I  may  at  last  be  received  into  Thy 
heavenly  kingdom  through  the  merits  and  medi- 
ation of  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  my  blessed  Lord 
and  Saviour.     Amen. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  125 

(4.)  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

O  Blessed  Lord,  the  Father  of  mercies  and 
the  God  of  all  comfort!  I  beseech  Thee,  look 
down  with  pity  and  compassion  upon  me  Thine 
afflicted  servant.     Unto  Thee  do  I   cry  for  help. 

0  thou  great  Physician  of  Souls,  uphold  and 
comfort  my  weak  and  dejected  spirit ;  strengthen 
it  against  all  inoidinate  vain  fears  and  terrors  ; 
and  deliver  me  from  all  those  unprofitable  troubles 
and  scruples  of  conscience,  with  which  I  am 
oppressed.  I  am  conscious,  O  Lord,  that  I  de- 
serve this  punishment  for  my  past  sins,  and  that 

1  reap  the  just  reward  of  my  former  iniquities. 
But  I  am  heartily  sorry  for  having  offended  Thee, 
and  truly  repent  of  all  my  misdoings  ;  and  there- 
fore I  implore,  for  the  sake  of  my  Saviour's  mer- 
its, that  by  Thy  pardon  and  peace  I  may  be  clean- 
sed from  all  my  sins,  and  may  serve  Thee  with  a 
quiet  mind  all  my  days.  Let  my  present  uneasi- 
ness and  disorder  make  me  humble  and  patient, 
and  teach  me  to  put  my  trust  and  confidence  in 
Thee.  I  entirely  submit  to  Thy  blessed  will,  till 
Thou  shalt  think  fit  to  remove  the  torment  I  groan 
under;  beseeching  Thee,  in  the  mean  time,  to 
enable  me  to  bear  it  by  the  support  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit ;  and  when  I  am  prepared  for  so  great  a 
mercy,  deliver  me  from  my  trouble  ;  lift  up  the 
light  of  Thy  countenance  upon  me,  and  give 
me  peace,  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
Jesus  Christ  my  blessed  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

II* 


126  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

4.  Promises  addressed  to  a  troubled  and  afflicted 
Mind, 

Selection  I. 

The  Lord  forsakcth  not  His  saints.  He  deliv- 
ereth  the  poor  in  his  affliction  ;  for  He  hath  not 
despised  nor  abhorred  the  affliction  of  the  afflicted  ; 
neither  hath  He  hid  His  face  from  him,  but  when 
he  cried  unto  Him,  He  heard.  In  all  their  afflic- 
tion he  was  afflicted,  and  the  angel  of  His  pres- 
ence saved  iliem  :  in  His  love  and  in  His  pity  He 
redeemed  them,  and  He  bare  them  and  carried 
them.  (Psal.  xxxvii.  28.  Job  xxxvi.  J 5.  Psal. 
xxii.  24.     Isa.  Ixiii.  9.) 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  Thou  chastenest,  O 
Lord,  and  givest  him  rest  from  the  days  of  ad- 
versity ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  liis  people, 
neither  will  He  forsake  His  inheritance.  His  soul 
was  grieved  for  the  misery  of  Israel.  He  regard- 
ed their  affliction  when  He  heard  their  cvr.  For 
His  anger  endurelh  but  a  moment :  in  Hii  iavor  is 
life.  Weeping  may  endure  for  a  niglit,  but  joy 
cometh  in  the  morning.  (Psal.  xciv.  12 — 14. 
Judg.  X.  16.     Psal.  cvi.  44.  xxx.  5.) 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow  to 
anger  and  plenteous  in  mercy.  He  will  not 
always  chide,  neither  will  He  keep  His  anger  for 
ever.  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins, 
nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  iniquities  ;  for, 
as  the  heaven  is  liicrh  above  the  earth,  so  jxreat  is 
His  mercy  towardsthem  that  fear  Him.  God, 
even  our  Father,  hath  loved  us,  and  hath  given  us 
everlasting  consolation  and  a  good  hope  through 
grace.     (Psal.  ciii.  8 — IL     2  Thess.  ii.   16.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  127 

The  Lord  will  wait  that  He  may  be  gracious 
unto  you  :  ibr  the  Loud  is  a  God  of  judgment. 
Blessed  are  all  they  that  wait  for  Him.  A  bruised 
reed  will  He  not  break,  and  smoking  flax  will  He 
not  quench,  till  He  send  forth  judgment  unto 
victory.  He  retaineth  not  His  anger  for  ever,  be- 
cause he  delighteth  in  mercy.  The  Lord  will 
not  cast  off  for  ever;  but  though  He  cause  grief, 
yet  will  He  have  compassion  according  to  the 
multitude  of  His  mercies.  For  He  doth  not  afflict 
willingly  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men.  (Isa. 
XXX.  IH.  Matt.  xii.  30.  Mic.  vii.  18.  Lam.  iii. 
31—33.) 

Thou  art  a  God  ready  to  pardon,  gracious  and 
merciful,  slow  to  anger  and  of  great  kindness. 
With  Thee  is  the  fountain  of  life  ;  and  in  Thy 
light  we  shall  see  light.  I  have  been  young  and 
now  am  old  ;  yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous 
forsaken,  nor- his  seed  begging  their  bread.  He 
shall  pray  unto  God,  and  He  shall  hear  him,  and 
He  will  be  favorable  unto  him,  and  he  shall  see 
His  face  with  joy.  (Neh.  ix.  17.  Psal.  xxxvi. 
9. ;  xxxvii.  25.     Job  xxxiii.  26.) 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon 
Him,  to  all  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth  ;  to  set 
up  on  high  those  that  be  low  ;  that  those  which 
mourn  may  be  exalted  to  safety.  Blessed  be 
God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort ; 
who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we 
may  be  able  to  comfort  them  which  are  in  any 
trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves 
are  comforted  of  God.  For,  as  the  sufferings  of 
Christ   abound    in   us,    so  our  consolation    also 


128  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

aboundeth  by  Christ.  (Psal.  cxlv.  18.  Job  v. 
IJ.     2Cor.  i.  3— 5.) 

The  Lord  your  God  ...  is  gracious  and  mer- 
ciful, slow  lo  anger  and  of  great  kindness,  and 
repenteth  Him  of  the  evil.  He  will  have  com- 
passion upon  us.  In  that  day  thou  shalt  say,  O 
Lord  !  I  will  praise  Thee  :  though  Thou  wast 
angry  with  me,  Thme  anger  is  turned  away,  and 
Thou  comfortedest  me.  Behold,  God  is  my  salva- 
tion :  I  will  trust  and  not  be  afraid ;  for  the  Lord 
JEHOVAH  is  my  strength  and  my  song.  He  also 
is  become  my  salvation.  Therefore  with  joy  shall 
ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation  :  and 
in  that  day  ye  shall  say,  Praise  the  Lord,  call 
upon  His  name,  declare  His  doings  among  the 
people,  make  mention  that  His  name  is  exalted. 
Sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  He  hath  done  excellent 
things:  this  is  known  in  all  the  earth.  (Joel  ii. 
31.     Mic.  vii.  19.     Isa.  xii.  1 — 5.) 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  : — If  they  break  my  stat- 
utes and  keep  not  my  commandments,  then  wiiJ 
I  visit  their  transgression  with  the  rod,  and  their 
iniquity  with  stripes.  Nevertheless,  my  loving- 
kindness  will  I  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor 
suffer  my  faithfulness  to  fail.  When  the  poor 
and  needy  seek  water  and  there  is  none,  and  their 
tongue  faileth  for  thirst,  I  the  Lord  will  hear 
them,  I  the  God  of  Israel  will  not  forsake  them. 
I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  they  knew  not ;  I 
will  lead  them  in  paths  they  have  not  known  :  I 
will  make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked 
things  straight.  These  things  will  1  do  unto  them, 
and  not  forsake  them.  (Psal.  Ixxxix.  31 — 33.  Isa. 
xli.  17.  :  xlii.  16.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  129 

Is  Ephraim  my  dear  son  ?  is  he  a  pleasant 
child?  lor  since  I  spake  against  him,  I  do  earn- 
estly remember  him  still.  Therefore  my  bowels 
are  troubled  for  him  ;  I  will  surely  have  mercy 
upon  him,  saith  the  Lord.  I  will  not  contend  for 
ever,  neither  will  I  be  always  wroth :  for  the 
spirit  should  fail  before  me,  and  the  souls  which  I 
have  made.  For  the  iniquity  of  his  covetousness 
was  I  wroth,  and  smote  him  :  I  hid  me  and  he 
was  wroth,  and  he  went  on  frowardly  in  the  way 
of  his  heart.  I  have  seen  his  ways,  and  will  heal 
him  :  I  will  lead  him  also,  and  will  restore  com- 
forts unto  him.  But  Zion  said  : — The  Lord 
hath  forsaken  me,  and  my  Lord  hath  forgotten 
me.  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that 
she  should  not  have  compassion  on  the  son  of  her 
womb?  Yea,  they  may  forget ;  yet  will  I  not  for- 
get thee.  Return,  thou  backsliding  Israel,  saith 
the  Lord,  and  I  will  not  cause  mine  anger  to  fall 
upon  you  :  for  I  am  merciful,  saith  the  Lord,  and 
I  will  not  keep  anger  for  ever.  For  a  small  mo- 
ment have  I  forsaken  thee,  but  with  great  mercies 
will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little  wrath  1  hid  my  face 
from  thee,  for  a  moment  :  but  with  everlasting 
kindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee,  saith  the 
Lord  thy  Redeemer.  (Isa.  Ivii.  16 — 19.;  xlix. 
14,  15.     Jer.  iii.  12.     Isa.  liv.  7,  8.) 

I  [said  our  adorable  Redeemer] — I  will  pray 
the  Father,  and  He  shall  give  you  another  com- 
forter, that  he  may  abide  with  you  for  ever ;  even 
the  Spirit  of  truth,  whom  the  world  cannot  re- 
ceive because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth 
him  :  but  ye  know  him,  for  he  dwelleth  with  you 
and  shall  be  in  you.  I  will  not  leave  you  comfort- 


130  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

less  ;  I  will  come  unto  you.  Lo  !  T  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.  Amen. 
(John  xiv.  16—18.     Matt,  xxviii.  20.) 


{Selection  II, 

How  excellent  is  Thy  loving-kindness,  O  God  ! 
Therefore  do  the  children  of  men  put  their  trust 
under  theshadowof  Thy  wings.  I  will  hear  what 
God  the  Lord  will  speak  ;  for  He  will  speak  peace 
unto  His  people  and  to  His  saints :  but  let  them 
not  turn  again  to  folly.  Surely,  His  salvation  is 
nigh  them  that  fear  Him.  They  cried  unto  the 
Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  He  delivered  them 
out  of  their  distresses.  (Psal.  xxxvi.  .  ;  Ixxxv.  8, 
9. ;  cvii.  6.  13.) 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke 
upon  you,  and  learn  of  me,  for  I  am  meek  and 
lowly  in  heart:  and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your 
souls.  For  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden  is 
light.  For  I  have  satiated  the  weary  soul,  and  I 
have  replenished  every  sorrowful  soul.  I  will 
feed  my  flock,  and  will  cause  them  to  lie  down, 
saith  the  Lord  God.  I  will  feed  them  upon  a 
good  pasture,  and  upon  the  high  mountains  of 
Israel  shall  their  food  be.  There  shall  they  lie  in 
a  good  fold,  in  a  fat  pasture  shall  they  feed  upon 
the  mountains  of  Israel.  (Matt.  xi.  28 — 30. 
Jer.  xxxi.  25.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  15.  14.) 

I  will  make  a  covenantof  peace  with  them  ;  it 
shall  be  an  everlasting  covenant  with  them  :  and 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  131 

I  will  place  them  and  multiply  them,  and  will  set 
my  sanctuary  in  the  midst  o{  them  for  evermore. 
I  will  dwell  in  them  and  walk  in  them  :  and  I  will 
be  their  God  and  they  shall  be  my  people.  The 
mountains  shall  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed  ; 
but  my  kindness  shall  not  depart  from  thee, 
neither  shall  the  covenant  of  my  peace  be  re- 
moved, saith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on  thee. 
Ue  of  good  cheer  :  it  is  I,  be  not  afraid.  Fear 
not,  little  flock  :  for  it  is  your  Father's  good  plea- 
sure to  give  you  the  kingdom.  Peace  I  leare 
with  you,  my  peace  I  give  you  :  not  as  the  world 
giveth,  give  I  unto  you.  Let  not  your  heart  be 
troubled,  neither  let  it  be  afraid.  (Ezek.  xxxvii. 
26.  2  Cor.  vi.  16.  Isa.  liv.  10.  Mark  vi.  50.  Luke 
vii.  32.     John  xiv.  27.) 

Fear  not  :  for  behold  I  bring  you  good  tidings 
of  great  joy.  Rejoice  ye  with  Jerusalem,  all  ye 
that  love  her ;  rejoice  for  joy  with  her,  all  ye  that 
mourn  for  her  :  that  ye  may  be  satisfied  with  .... 
her  consolations.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  :  Be- 
hold, I  will  extend  peace  to  her  like  a  river,  and 
the  glory  of  the  Gentiles  like  a  flowing  stream. 
As  one  whom  his  mother  comforteth,  so  v  ill  I 
comfort  you,  and  ye  shall  be  comforted  in  Jeru- 
salem. The  remnant  of  Israel  shall  not  do 
iniquity,  nor  speak  lies  :  neither  shall  a  deceitful 
tongue  be  found  in  their  mouth  ;  for  they  shall 
feed  and  lie  down,  and  none  shall  make  them 
afraid.  Sing,  O  daughter  of  Zion  !  shout,  O 
Israel !  Be  glad  and  rejoice  with  all  the  heart,  O 
daughter  of  Jerusalem.  The  Lord  hath  taken 
away  thy  judgments ;  he  hath  cast  out  thine 
enemy.     The  Lord  is  in  the  midst  of  thee  :  thou 


132  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

shalt  not  see  evil  any  more.  There  is  a  river,  the 
streiims  whereof  shall  make  glad  the  city  of  God  : 
God  is  in  the  midst  of  her,  she  shall  not  be 
moved.  God  shall  help  her,  and  that  right  early. 
In  that  day  it  shall  be  said  to  Jerusalem,  Fear  ll.ou 
not ;  and  to  Zion,  Let  not  thine  hands  be  slack. 
The  Lord  thy  God  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  miglity  ; 
he  will  save,  he  will  rejoice  over  thee  with  joy, 
he  will  rest  in  his  love  ;  he  will  joy  over  thee  with 
singing.  (Luke  ii.  10.  Isa.  Ixvi  10 — Yd.  Zeph. 
iii.  13,  14.  Psal.  xlvi.  4,  5.  Zeph.  iii.  IG,  17.) 


SECTION  IIL 


PRAYERS    AND    MEDITATIONS    UNDER    SORROW    AND 
DESPONDENCY. 


Tearfulness  and  trembling  are  come  upon  me,  and  horror 
HATH  ovERV/HEj.MED  me. — Psalm  Iv.  5. 


1.   Observations  on  Seasons  of  Desertion ^  or 
supposed  Absence  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

**There  are  seasons  in  the  lives  of  good  men, 
when  their  sense  of  spiritual  things  is  compara- 
tively dull ;  and  many,  at  these  times,  have  been 
alarmed  with  the  idea  of  being  totally  deserted 
by  the  Spirit,  and  have  fallen  into  a  state  of 
DESPONDENCY,  But  if  there  were  no  other 
proof  that  the  grace  of  God  is  still  vouchsafed  to 
theai,  their  uneasiness  alone  would  evince  it. 
While  pain  is  felt,  the   surgeon    apprehends  not 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  133 

a  mortification.  But  the  alarm,  it  may  be  pre- 
sumed, is,  to  the  pious  Christian,  unnecessary. 
For  it  is  certain  that  the  visitations  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  are  sometimes  more  sensible  than  at 
others  ;  and  that  when  they  are  not  sensible  at 
all,  its  guidance  and  benign  protection  may  con- 
tinue unaltered.  The  light  sometimes  shines  with 
a  bright  and  strong  effulgence,  to  guide  us  into 
the  right  way  ;  but  while  we  are  proceeding  in  it 
safely  and  regularly,  and  without  an  inclination 
to  deviate,  or  immediate  danger  of  falling,  the 
rays  may  be  emitted  less  powerfully,  because  less 
necessary.  The  moment  there  appears  danger 
of  wandering  or  of  stumbling,  the  lamp  is  ready 
to  shine  with  instantaneous  radiance.  Thus  an 
infant,  just  beginning  to  walk,  is  guided  by  the 
parent's  hand,  watched  with  the  parent's  eye,  and 
encouraged  by  the  parent's  voice,  and  yet  it  is 
often  permitted  to  go  alone,  without  assistance 
or  encouragement,  in  order  to  exercise  its 
strength,  and  to  give  it  a  due  degree  of  confi- 
dence. But  the  tender  mother  may  still  hold 
the  leading-string  unobserved  by  the  infant,  and, 
at  the  very  first  lapse,  save  the  fall.  The  sun, 
though  obscured  by  clouds,  affords  both  light  and 
Vv^armth,  guides  mankind  in  all  their  operations, 
and  supports  both  animal  and  vegetative  life. 

"  The  mistaken  opinion  that  ecstasy  and  rap- 
ture are  always  necessary  to  evince  the  presence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  has  brought  the  doctrine  into 
discredit  among  the  sober  and  rational,  and  in- 
troduced much  misery  among  the  ignorant,  the 
weak,  and  the  fanciful.  The  sober  and  rational 
neither  experienced  such  ardor  without  inter- 
inissiou,  nor  did  they  believe  the  nature  of  man, 
]-2 


J  34  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

as  he  is  now  constituted,  capable  of  supporting 
it.  The  ignorant,  the  weak,  and  the  fanciful,  en- 
deavoring to  raise  themselves  to  a  height  wliich 
they  could  either  not  reach  or  not  maintain,  fell 
from  disappointment  to  dejection,  and  from  de- 
jection to  despair.  In  truth,  the  influence  of  the 
Spirit  rushes  not  like  a  continual  torrent,  but 
flows  as  a  gentle  river,  which,  indeed,  for  the 
most  part,  displays  its  silver  surface  in  the  mead- 
ows, but  may  sometimes  conceal  itself,  without 
being  lost,  in  a  subterranean  channel. 

"  While  we  retain  faith,  hope,  and  charity,  and 
while  we  seek  the  favor  of  God  in  fervent  prayer, 
we  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  grace 
abounds  in  us,  though  we  should  not,  for  a  con- 
siderable time,  be  favored  with  the  livelier  ex- 
perience of  its  immediate  energy.  If  we  per- 
severe in  a  virtuous  course,  we  may  rest  assured 
that  God  will,  at  all  proper  intervals,  and  for  our 
reward  and  encouragement,  shew  us  the  light  of 
his  countenance. 

"  Let  the  pious  Christian  remember,  that  hope 
is  placed,  in  the  celebrated  enumeration  of 
Christian  virtues,  next  to  faith,  and  before  cha- 
rity. Let  him  therefore  take  care  not  to  in- 
dulge the  least  tendency  to  such  melancholy 
ideas  of  desertion  as  may  lead  to  despair.  God 
will  not  behold  a  sincerely  contrite  heart,  anxious 
to  find  grace,  without  affording  it ;  and  though, 
for  wise  purposes  of  trial,  it  is  possible  that  he 
may  not,  for  a  short  time,  bestow  it  in  its  more 
sensible  influences,  yet  there  is  every  reason  to 
believe,  that  he  who  sincci'cly  grieves  because  he 
thinks  himself  less  favored  by  the  IIoli/   Spirit 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  135 

than  usual,  is,  on  that  very  account,  in  a  state 
OF  GRACE,  and  therefore  safe."* 


II.  Prayers  under  Sorrow  and  Despondency. 

1.  A  Prayer  in  the  Language  of  Scripture. 

Unto  Thee  will  I  cry,  O  Lord,  my  rock,  be 
not  silent  to  me  :  lest,  if  Thou  be  silent  to  me,  I 
become  like  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. 
Hear  the  voice  of  my  supplication  when  I  cry 
unto  Thee.  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  en- 
larged :  O  bring  Thou  me  out  of  my  distress. 
Look  upon  mine  affliction  and  my  pain,  and  for- 
give all  my  sins.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of 
Thy  salvation;  and  uphold  me  with  Thy  free 
spirit.  Heal  me,  O  Lord,  and  I  shall  be  healed  ; 
save  me,  and  I  shall  be  saved.  Bow  down  Thine 
ear,  O  Lord,  and  hear  me  :  for  I  am  poor  and 
needy.  O  Thou,  my  God,  save  Thy  servant, 
that  trusteth  in  Thee.  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O 
Lord  :  for  I  cry  unto  Thee  daily.  Rejoice  the 
soul  of  Tiiy  servant :  for  unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  do 
I  lift  up  my  soul.  For  Thou,  Lord,  art  good 
and  ready  to  forgive  :  and  plenteous  in  mercy 
unto  all  them  that  call  upon  Thee.  Give  ear,  O 
Lord,  unlo  my  prayer :  and  attend  to  the  voice 
of  my  supplications.  Teach  me  Thy  way,  O 
Lord,  I  will  walk  in  Thy  truth  :  unite  my  heart 


*  Dr.  Knox's  Christian  Pliilosophy,  section  xxxiii. 


136  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

to  fear  Thy  name.  Let  my  cry  come  before 
Thee,  O  Lord  :  give  me  understanding  ac- 
cording to  Thy  word.  Let  my  supplication  come 
before  Thee  :  deHver  me  according  to  Thy  word. 
Return,  O  Lord  ;  how  long  ?  O  satisfy  us  early 
with  Thy  mercy,  that  we  may  rejoice,  and  be 
glad  all  our  days.  I  have  entreated  Thy  favor 
with  my  whole  heart :  be  merciful  unto  me,  ac- 
cording to  Thy  word.  And  my  soul  shall  be 
joyful  in  the  Lord  :  it  shall  rejoice  in  His  sal- 
vation. (Psal.  xxviii.  1,  2.  ;  xxv.  17,  18.  ;  li.  12. ; 
Jer.  xvii,  14.  ;  Psal.  Ixxxvi.  1 — 6.  11. ;  cxix.  169, 
170. ;  xc,  13,  14. ;  cxix.  58.  ;  xxxv.  9.) 


2.  A  Meditatioji  in  the  Language  of  Scripture 
under  Despondency. 

O  God,  Thou  art  my  God,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Be  Thou  my  guide  unto  death.  My  heart  is 
sore  grieved  within  me,  and  the  terrors  of  death 
are  fallen  upon  me.  Behold,  Thou  hast  made 
my  days  as  an  hand  breadth,  and  mine  age  is  as 
nothing  before  Thee.  Verily  every  man  at  his 
best  estate  is  altogether  vanity.  When  Thou 
with  rebukes  dost  correct  man  for  iniquity.  Thou 
makest  his  beauty  to  consume  away  like  a  moth  : 
surely  every  man  is  vanity.  And  now,  Lord, 
what  wait  I  for  ?  My  hope  is  in  Thee.  Hear 
my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give  ear  unto  my  cry  : 
hold  not  Thy  peace  at  my  tears.  Remove  Thy 
stroke  away  from  me :  I  am  consumed  by  the 
blow  of  Thine  hand.  O  spare  me,  that  I  may 
receive  strength,  before  I  go   hence  and   be  no 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  137 

more.  My  soul  cleaveth  unto  the  dust ;  O 
quicken  Thou  me,  according  to  Thy  word.  And 
when  the  sorrows  of  death  compass  me,  let  not 
the  pains  of  hell  get  hold  upon  me.  (Psal.  Ixiii.  I. 
xlviii.  14. ;  Iv.  4. ;  xxxix.  6.  11.  8.  12.  10.  13. ; 
cxix.  25. ;  cxvi.  3.) 


3.  A  Prayer  in   Sorrow  and  Desyondency. 

O  Eternal  God,  Father  of  Mercies,  and  God  of 
all  comfort,  with  much  mercy  look  upon  the  sor- 
rows of  Thy  servant.  The  waters  are  gone  over 
me,  and  I  stick  fast  in  the  deep  mire  ;  and  my 
miseries  are  without  comfort,  because  they  are 
the  punishments  of  my  sin.  Lord!  pity  me: 
Lord  !  let  Thy  grace  refresh  my  spirit.  Let  Thy 
comfort  support  me  ;  Thy  mercy  pardon  me, 
and  never  let  my  portion  be  among  hopeless  and 
accursed  spirits :  for  Thou  art  good  and  gra- 
cious: and  upon  Thy  mercies  do  i  humbly  cast 
myself  Grant  that  I  may  never  let  my  hold  go, 
and  do  Thou  with  me  what  seemeth  good  in 
Thine  eyes.  I  cannot  suffer  more  than  I  have 
deserved,  and  yet  I  can  need  no  relief  so  great 
as  thy  mercy  is  :  for  Thou  art  infinitely  more 
merciful  than  I  can  be  miserable :  and  Thy 
mercy,  which  is  above  all  thine  own  works,  is 
transcendently  above  all  my  sin  and  all  my  mis- 
ery. Holy  Jesus!  let  me  trust  in  Thee  for  ever, 
and  let  me  never  be  confounded.  Amen. 
12* 


138  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

4.    A  Prayer  against  Despair,* 

O  God  of  Mercy,  forasmuch  as  I  have  many 
ways  transgressed  thy  holy  precepts,  contemned 
Thee  our  Lord  and  Maker,  and  offended  Thy 
Divine  Majesty,  greatly  am  I  grieved  in  mind, 
and  stand  wonderfully  in  fear  of  Thine  everlast- 
ing displeasure.  And  although  Thine  holy  word 
doth  tender  me  pardon  and  remission  of  my  sins 
truly,  yet  have  I  not  grace  as  yet  to  apprehend 
the  same  :  for  busy  is  our  most  cruel  and  crafty 
adversary,  and  doth  labor  to  bring  us  from  all 
hope  and  comfort  of  salvation.  The  only  remedy, 
which  we  have  against  this  our  deadly  adversary, 
is,  that  we  never  doubt  of  Thy  grace  and  readi- 
ness to  forgive  our  sins.  Comfort  us  at  all  times, 
especially  at  the  hour  of  death,  and  give  us  grace 
to  fasten  all  our  confidence  and  trust  on  Thee, 
and  never  to  think  any  offence  greater  than  Thou 
canst  and  wilt  pardon. 

O  loving  and  ever-living  God,  the  lively  foun- 
tain of  all  grace,  overflowing  the  whole  world 
with  the  river  of  Thy  mercy  :  enlighten  mine 
understanding,  increase  my  faith,  that  I  may 
truly  know  and  assuredly  believe  the  death  and 
merits  of  Christ  Thy  Son  :  the  least  drop  of  whose 
most  precious  blood  is  of  more  efficacy  and  power 
to  save  me  than  all  my  enormities  and  heinous 
sins  to  condemn  me.  Look  upon  me,  O  my  Sa- 
viour,  with  those  eyes  of  pity  and  fatherly  com- 


*  From  an  imperfect  copy  of  the  "  Poor  Man's  Rest," 
a  manual  of  devotion,  apparently  printed  before  the  end 
of  the  sixteenth  century. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  139 

passion,  wherewith  Thou  didst  behold  Peter  after 
he  denied  Thee  ;  lest  otherwise  I  despair,  and  so 
commit  the  sin  t^ainst  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Give  me.  Lord,  the  holy  help  of  Thy  Sacred 
Spirit,  that  when  Satan  doth  accuse  me,  and  my 
conscience  beareth  witness  against  me,  when  the 
thoughts  of  hell  and  death  do  dismay  me,  when 
the  snares  of  death,  and  horrible  temptations 
would  entrap  me,  when  the  whole  world  forsakes 
me,  and  all  things  set  themselves  against  me ; — 
THEN  strengthen  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  that  I 
forsake  not  Thee  my  Saviour,  and  fall  from 
hope  of  Thy  free  mercy. 

O  comfort  mine  heart  with  an  inward  assurance 
and  seal  of  mine  adoption  in  Thy  Son,  in  whom 
the  forgiveness  of  sins  is  promised  unto  all  be- 
lievers. Call  to  mind  thy  holy  covenant  entered 
into  with  us  at  our  baptism,  and  the  promise 
thereunto  annexed, — He  that  believeth,  and  is 
baptized,  shall  be  saved  :  and  grant  that  I  may 
evermore  consider  the  same  to  my  perpetual 
comfort.     Amen. 


5.  Promises,  addressed  to  tJwse  who  are  in  Sor- 
row  and  Despondency. 

If  thou  shalt  seek  the  Lord  thy  God,  thou 
shalt  find  Him,  if  thou  seek  Him  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul.  When  thou  art  in 
tribulation,  if  thou  shalt  turn  unto  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  shalt  be  obedient  unto  His  voice  :  (for 
the  Lord  thy  God  is  a  merciful  God :   (he  will 


140 


DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 


not  forsake  thee,  neither  destroy  thee.  Thou 
shalt  weep  no  more  :  He  will  be  very  gracious 
unto  thee  at  the  voice  of  thy  cry  ;  when  He 
shall  hear  it,  He  will  answer  thee.  He  will 
fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  Him  ;  He  also 
will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them.  The 
Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken 
heart ;  and  saveth  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit. 
He  healetii  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up 
their  wounds.  He  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord, 
mercy  shall  compass  him  about.  They  that  sow- 
in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy.  He  that  goeth  forth 
and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall,  doubt- 
less, come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his 
sheaves  with  him.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are 
upon  the  righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  unto 
their  cry.  And  the  Lord  God  will  wipe  away 
tears  from  off  all  faces.  (Deut.  iv.  29 — SI.  Isa. 
XXX.  19.  Psal.  cxlv.  19. ;  xxxiv.  IS. ;  cxlvii.  3. ; 
xxxii.  10.  ;  cxxvi.  5,  6.  ;  xxxiv.  15.  Isa.  xxv.  8.) 
Weep  not.  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for 
they  shall  be  comforted.  For  I  know  the  thoughts 
that  1  think  towards  you,  saith  the  Lord  ; 
thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil,  to  give  you  an 
expected  end.  Then  shall  ye  call  upon  me,  and 
ye  shall  go  and  pray  unto  me,  and  I  will  hearken 
unto  you.  And  ye  shall  seek  me  and  find  me, 
when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with  all  your  heart ; 
and  I  will  be  found  of  you,  saith  the  Lord.  Call 
upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble;  I  will  deliver 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.  (Luke  vii.  13. 
Matt.  V.  4.     Jer.  xxix.  11—14.     Psal.  1.  15.) 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  ,      141 


SECTION  IV. 

DEVOTIONS     FOR     THOSE      WHO      ARE      PERPLEXKD      WITH 
DOUBTS    AND    TEMPTATIONS. 

Watch  and   pray,  that  ye   enter  not   into   temptation. — 
Matt.  xxiv.  14. 

1.  A  General  Prayer  for  one  ivho  is  perplexed 
in  Mind. 


O  Righteous  Lord,  Thy  justice  has  brought 
me  to  reap  the  bitter  fruits  of  my  own  evil  ways, 
and  to  possess  mine  iniquities.  My  sins  at  length 
have  taken  hold  upon  me  ;  thou  vvritest  bitter 
things  against  me,  and  thy  fierce  wrath  goeth 
over  me.  Thy  terrors  do  even  distract  my 
thoughts.  My  spirit  is  quite  broken  within  me 
by  reason  thereof,  and  my  heart  faileth  me. 
But,  O  Gracious  God,  though  I  be  troubled  and 
cast  down,  let  me  not  fall,  I  humbly  entreat  thee, 
into  utter  despair.  Whilst  I  live,  let  me  not 
forego  the  hopes  of  Thy  mercy,  nor  the  care  of 
my  own  return  to  my  duty.  When  I  ^roan 
under  my  burthens,  make  me  to  flee  unto  Thee 
for  ease.  When  I  am  terrified  with  my  former 
sins,  let  me  make  haste  to  forsake  the  same. 
When  I  am  struck  with  the  sting  of  my  own 
guilt,  enable  me,  O  Jesu,  to  look  up  to  Thy 
cross,  and  to  the  merits  thereof;  and  to  rest 
my  heart  upon  the  same  by  true  repentance. 
When  I  am  most  mistrustful  of  myself,  let  me  not 
mistrust  Thee,  nor  call  in  question  any  comfort- 
able promises  of  Thy  free  grace  and  mercy. 


142  DEVOTIONS    FOR   THE 

O  Father  !  let  Thy  smiting  reclaim  and  amend 
me,  and  then  let  Th}  comforts  revive  me.  Let 
Thy  dear  Son's  most  precious  blood  expiate  all 
my  sins,  and  let  His  grace  cure  them.  And  in- 
stead of  these  most  just  and  deserved  terrors, 
wherewith  Thou  now  takest  vengeance  for  the 
same,  Lord,  let  me  have  Thy  mercy  to  forgive 
my  sins,  and  cause  me  to  hear  the  voice  of 
peace,  to  quiet  and  comfort  my  amazed  con- 
science, for  the  sake  of  my  only  Saviour  and 
Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


2.  A  Prayer  for  one  wlio  is  full  of  Doubts, 

O  Lord,  the  Father  of  Mercies,  and  the  God  of 
all  comfort,  I  acknowledge  and  adore  Thine  eter- 
nal power,  wisdom,  and  goodness.  I  render  Thee 
my  most  hearty  thanks  for  all  the  benetits  Thou 
hast  freely  bestowed  on  me,  from  my  first  coming 
into  the  world  until  this  time.  "  Many,  O  Lord 
my  God,  are  thy  wonderful  works  which  are  to 
us- ward,  they  cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  order 
unto  Thee  :  if  I  would  declare  and  speak  of 
them,  they  are  more  than  can  be  numbered." 
Above  all,  I  bless  Thee  for  that  great  demon- 
stration of  Thy  love  and  good  will  to  mankind  in 
Christ  Jesus,  whom  Thou  hast  sent  into  the  world 
to  save  Sinners  ;  and  for  bringing  me  to  a  clear 
knowledge  of  Him,  faith  in  Him,  and  some  love, 
I  hope,  towards  Him,  and  unfeigned  affection  to 
Thy  holy  will,  declared  to  us  in  His  blessed 
Gospel. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  143 

O  God,  Thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth 
up,  and  hitherto  hast  been  marvellously  gracious 
to  me.  Hide  not,  I  beseech  Thee.  Thy  face  now 
from  me,  and  put  not  Thy  servant  away  in  dis- 
pleasure. Thou  hast  been  my  help,  leave  me 
not,  neither  forsake  me,  O  God  of  my  salvation  : 
but  for  Jesus  Christ  his  sake,  I  humbly  entreat 
Thee  to  pardon  and  pass  by  all  my  neglects  of 
Thee,  and  unthankfulness  to  Thee,  and  offences 
against  Thee.  And  as  I  here  sincerely  devote 
and  dedicate  my  whole  self,  soul,  and  body,  to 
Thy  service,  so  help  me,  O  my  God,  and  further 
me  in  the  performance  of  my  duty,  by  the  grace 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  To  Thee  all  hearts  are  open, 
and  from  Thee  no  secrets  are  hid  :  deal  with  me 
according  to  the  earnest  desire,  and  full  purpose 
of  my  soul,  to  conform  myself  in  all  things  to 
Thy  holy  will. 

Settle  in  me  an  unmovable  faith  in  Thy  infi- 
nite mercies,  a  constant  love,  and  cheerful  affec- 
tion to  my  duty,  and  a  readiness  of  heart  to  obey 
Thee,  and  to  submit  to  Thy  wise  appointments 
in  every  condition.  The  whole  earth  is  full  of 
Thy  mercy;  Thou  openest  thy  hand,  and  satis- 
fiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing  :  O  refuse 
not  the  humble  desires  of  my  poor  soul,  which 
gaspeth  after  Thee,  even  as  the  thirsty  land. 
Thou  who  givest  to  the  Leasts  their  food,  and  to 
the  young  ravens  when  they  cry,  O  satisfy  me 
early  with  Thy  mercies,  that  I  may  rejoice  and 
be  glad  all  my  days.  Compose  my  broken  and 
disturbed  thoughts,  quiet  my  troubled  and  dis- 
ordered spirit,  and  appease  all  the  ragings  and  tu- 
mults there,  by  a  sweet  sense  of  thy  most  tender 


144  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

mercies,  which  have  been  ever  of  old,  and  endure 
continually. 

Banish  from  me  all  causeless  fears  and  jea- 
lousies ;  deliver  me  from  all  unprofitable  sadness 
and  dejections  of  spirit ;  keep  me  from  rash  judg- 
ing of  myself,  and  much  more  from  charging 
Thee  foolishly.  Bestow  upon  me  a  cheerful 
spirit,  by  an  humble  hope  in  Thee,  and  by  re- 
ferring myself  wholly  to  Thee.  Endue  me  with 
such  wisdom  and  uprightness,  that  I  may  neither 
neglect  my  duty,  nor  suspect  Thy  gracious  ac- 
ceptance of  me.  Give  me  a  hearty  zeal  to  do 
the  best  that  I  am  able,  and  a  settled  persuasion 
that  Thou  requirest  no  more  of  me. 

Defend  me,  O  most  gracious  God,  from  dis- 
honoring Thee,  and  my  religion,  by  distrusting 
Thy  goodness,  and  calling  Thy  loving-kindness 
in  question  towards  those  that  are  sincerely  bent 
to  please  Thee.  Remove  all  troublesome  ima- 
ginations from  me,  and  give  me  a  clear  under- 
standing of  Thee,  and  of  myself.  Or  when  I  am 
in  darkness  and  confusion  of  thoughts,  grant  me 
so  much  light  and  judgment,  as  not  to  conclude 
myself  forsaken  by  Thee,  but  to  reflect  upon 
Thy  long  continued  favors  to  me,  and  many 
deliverances  of  me;  that  so  I  may  resolve  still 
to  hope  in  thee,  to  bear  my  present  trouble 
i)atiently,  and  to  resign  my  will  absolutely  to 
Thy  good  pleasure.  And,  good  Lord,  enable 
me  to  look  beyond  these  clords,  to  that  blessed 
state  whither  my  Saviour  is  gone,  in  which  there 
is  no  darkness  at  all,  and  in  an  humble  hope  of 
coming  to  the  same  place  where  he  is,  to  content 
myself  with  any  condition,  whilst  I  am  here  so 
far  remote  from  that  region  of  light  and  glory. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  145 

Hear  me,  most  loving  and  merciful  Father,  I 
most  humbly  beseech  Thee.  Pity  my  great  dul- 
ness  and  deadness  of  heart.  Strengthen  my  weak 
and  feeble  endeavors.  Support  my  fainting 
spirit,  and  cause  it  humbly  to  hope  in  Thee  for 
ever.  Confirm  and  establish  every  good  thought, 
desire,  and  purpose,  which  Thou  hast  wrought 
in  me.  Perfect  that  which  Thou  hast  begun. 
Make  me  to  grow  in  wisdom,  faith,  love,  and 
willing  obedience.  Conduct  me  hereafter  so 
evenly  and  steadily,  so  peaceably  and  quietly, 
so  cheerfully  and  securely  in  Thy  ways,  t!iat  I 
may  glorify  Thee  whilst  I  live,  by  encouraging 
others  to  accompany  me  in  Thy  service :  and 
when  I  come  to  die,  may  resign  my  soul  unto 
Thee  with  an  undisturbed  mind,  in  a  holy  hope 
also  of  a  joyful  resurrection  of  the  body  at  the 
great  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  to  whom  be  glory 
and  dominion  for  ever.     Amen. 


3.  A  Prayer  for  one  who  is  disturhcdwithioichcd 
and  hlaspliemous  Thoughts. 

O  Lord  God,  the  Father  of  our  spirits,  to 
whom  all  hearts  are  open,  and  all  desires  known  ; 
I  humbly  entreat  Tliee  to  succour  me,  thine  un- 
worthy servant,  who  labor  under  the  burthen  of 
wicked  thoughts.  Let  Thy  power  and  goodness 
be  shown  in  healing  my  disordered  mind.  Cleanse 
the  thoughts  of  my  heart  by  the  inspiration  of 
Thine  Holy  Spirit.  Suffer  them  not  to  be  defiled 
by  any  profane  or  blasphemous  suggestions  ;  but 
13 


146  DEVOTIONS    FOR   THE 

heal  my  soul,  by  enabling  me  to  stifle  and  sup- 
press all  such  thoughts  as  tend  to  rob  me  of  my 
peace,  or  to  deprive  me  of  the  comforts  of  reli- 
gion. Enable  me  to  be  of  an  equal  and  steady 
temper,  to  be  mikl  and  gentle  in  my  behavior, 
and  to  keep  my  hopes  and  fears  within  due 
bounds.  Make  me  sensible  of  the  wise  and  kind 
reasons  of  these  afflictions  ;  that,  if  they  be  duly 
improved,  they  may  be  powerful  preservatives  of 
my  soul  against  the  prevailing  sins  of  a  licentious 
age  ;  may  dispose  me  to  compassionate  the  suf- 
ferings of  others  ;  and  make  me  more  thoroughly 
feel  my  own  infirmities,  and  my  need  of  divine 
assistance.  Open  my  eyes,  that  I  may  see  and 
know  the  wise  and  gracious  dispensations  of  thy 
Providence;  and,  by  humbling  myself  under 
them,  may  at  length  be  lifted  up,  and  made  a 
partaker  of  that  peace  and  joy  which  Thou  be- 
stowest  upon  all  Thy  faithful  servants.  Grant 
this,  O  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
only  Mediator  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


4.  A  Prayer  for  a  Person  wlio  is  under  Douhis 
concerning  the  Lawfulness  of  any  Action. 

O  Lord  God,  the  instructer  of  the  ignorant,  the 
light  ol  all  that  are  in  darkness  and  error,  and  the 
fountain  of  all  wisdom,  knowledge,  and  truth ;  I 
desire  above  all  things  to  please  Thee,  and  to 
know  and  do  Thy  will  :  and  it  is  a  trouble  and 
grief  to  me  to  consider  that  I  have  so  often  acted 
contrary  to  it.     O  give  mc   a  wise  and  under- 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND.  147 

Standing  spirit,  that  I  may  know  my  duty,  and  a 
heart  fully  determined  to  practise  it. 

More  particularly,  O  Lord,  1  address  myself 
to  Thee  at  this  time,  to  enlighten  my  under- 
standing, and  inform  my  unsettled  judgment  how 
to  determine  safely  in  the  affair  concerning  which 
at  present  I  know  not  how  to  act.  Show  Thou 
me  the  way  wherein  I  should  walk,  and  leave  me 
not  to  the  weakness  of  my  own  reasoning  ;  which, 
without  Thy  enlightening  grace,  will  lead  me  into 
error  and  confusion. 

Give  me,  O  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee,  such  an 
honest  and  upright  heart,  that  nothing  in  the 
world  may  ever  be  able  to  seduce  me  from  my 
integrity.  Let  not  the  example  of  a  multitude 
persuade  me  to  do  evil,  nor  the  most  powerful 
allurements  of  riches,  honors,  or  any  other 
worldly  advantage,  turn  me  aside  from  Thy  com- 
mandments :  but  convince  me  more  and  more, 
how  little  it  will  profit  me  to  gain  the  whole 
world,  and  lose  my  own  soul ;  that  being  pos- 
sessed of  an  awful  fear  of  Thy  displeasure,  I  may 
never  dare  to  do  any  thing  but  what  Thou  ap- 
provest,  and  of  which  I  maybe  able  to  give  a 
comfortable  account  at  the  great  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

Direct  me,  O  my  God,  to  those  means,  which 
will  inform  my  understanding  and  satisfy  my 
doubts:  and  if,  after  all  my  inquiries,  I  should 
fall  into  any  unwilling  mistake,  O  Lord,  lay  it  not 
to  my  charge,  nor  let  it  ever  provoke  Thine 
anger  againstme.  But,  O  Lord,  if  it  is  Thy  good 
pleasure  that  I  should  still  remain  under  doubts, 
give  me  grace,  I  beseech  Thee,  to  submit  to  Thy 


148 


DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 


will,  and  to  wait  with  patience  until  thou  seest  fit 
to  instruct  me  better.  And  whatever  worldly  ad- 
vantages I  may  lose  by  it,  yet  let  me  still  have  the 
comfort  and  support  of  a  good  conscience.  Suffer 
ine  not  to  be  so  regardless  of  my  eternal  interest, 
as  for  the  sake  of  any  temporal  advantage  to  for- 
feit Thy  favor,  which  is  better  than  all  the 
enjoyments  of  this  world. 

O  Lord  !  I  leave  myself  in  thy  hands  ;  and  I 
most  humbly  beseech  thee,  to  carry  me  through 
this  and  all  other  difficulties,  and  bring  me  to  that 
blessed  place  of  rest  and  peace,  where  I  shall  be 
out  of  all  temptation  and  danger  of  offending 
thee,  and  where  I  shall  love  and  praise  Thee 
throughout  all  ages.  Grant  this,  O  merciful 
Father,  for  the  sake  and  through  the  merits  of  my 
dear  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


III.     Prayers  in  Seasons  of  Temptation, 

1.  For  Grace  to  overcome    Temptation. — [From 
the  Booh  oj  Common  Prayer.) 

O  God,  who  knowest  that  I  am  set  in  the  midst 
of  many  and  great  dangers ;  raise  up,  I  pray 
Thee,  Thy  power,  and  with  great  might  succour 
me,  that  I  may  withstand  the  temptations  of  the 
world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  and  with  a  pure 
heart  and  mind  may  follow  Thee  the  only  God. 
Grant  to  me  such  strength  and  protection,  as  may 
support  me  in  all  dangers,  and  carry  me  through 
all   temptations.     Mercifully  look   upon  my  in- 


AjFFLICTED    IN   MIND.  149 

firmities,  and  in  all  my  dangers  and  necessities 
stretch  forth  Thy  right  hand  to  help  and  defend 
me.  As  I  lean  only  on  the  help  of  Thy  heavenly 
grace,  may  I  be  defended  by  Thy  mighty  power. 
Keep  me  both  outwardly  in  my  body,  and  in- 
wardly in  my  soul.  Order  my  unruly  will  and 
affections,  and  defend  me  evermore  by  Thy  most 
gracious  and  ready  help  ;  that  so,  among  the  sun- 
dry and  manifold  changes  of  the^world,  I  may  be 
kept  from  all  things  hurtful,  and  led  to  all  things 
profitable  to  my  salvation. 

O  God,  the  Protector  of  all  those  that  trust  in 
Thee,  without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing 
is  holy,  whose  never-failing  Providence  ordereth 
all  things  in  heaven  and  earth  :  keep  me  with  Thy 
perpetual  mercy  ;  that,  being  ready  both  in  body 
and  soul,  I  may  truly  and  faithfully  serve  Thee, 
may  finally  obtain  Thy  gracious  promises,  and  be 
made  a  partaker  of  Thy  heavenly  treasure, 
throucrh  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


2.  A  Prayer  against  Temptations. 

O  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
Thy  name  is  great,  Thine  essence  is  infinite. 
Thy  goodness  is  eternal,  and  Thy  power  hath  no 
limit :  Thou  art  the  God  and  Lord  of  all,  blessed 
for  evermore.  Look  down  in  mercy  and  com- 
passion from  Thy  dwelling,  hear  my  prayers  and 
supplications  ;  and  deliver  me  from  all  temptations 
of  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  Take  not 
Thy  grace  from  me ;  let  me  never  want  Thy  help 
13* 


150  DEVOTIONS    FOR    THE 

in  my  need,  nor  Thy  comfort  in  the  day  of  my 
danger  and  calamity.  Never  try  me  beyond  my 
strength,  nor  afflict  me  beyond  my  patience,  nor 
smite  me  but  with  a  father's  love.  I  have  no 
strength  of  my  own  ;  Thou  art  my  confidence,  my 
rock,  and  my  strong  salvation.  Save  me,  O  God, 
from  the  miseries  of  this  world,  and  never  let  me 
suffer  the  calamities  of  the  next.  Rescue  me  from 
the  evils  I  have  done,  and  preserve  me  from  the 
evils  I  have  deserved  :  that,  living  before  Thee 
with  a  clean  heart,  and  undefiled  body,  and  sanc- 
tified spirit,  I  may,  at  the  day  of  judgment,  be  pre- 
sented piH'e  and  spotless  by  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb  :  that  I  may  sing  eternal  hallelujahs  in 
heavenly  places  to  the  honor  of  God  our  Saviour, 
who  hath  redeemed  our  souls  from  death,  our 
eyes  from  tears,  and  our  feet  from  falling.  Grant 
this,  in  the  richness  of  Thy  mercy,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


3.  A  Prayer  against  the  Temptation  of  the 
Worlds  the  Flesh,  and  the  Devil. 

O  most  merciful  and  mighty  God,  the  Fortress 
of  the  Faithful,  a  Rock  of  Defence,  and  a  Refuge 
of  all  distressed  souls,  who  knowest  me  to  be  set 
in  the  midst  of  so  great  dangers,  that  without 
Thy  help  I  cannot  avoid  my  ruin :  I  beseech 
Thee,  keep  my  body  and  soul  from  all  tempt- 
ations and  snares  of  the  Devil,  and  suffer  not  my 
senses  to  wander  abroad  in  matters  of  pleasures 
and  delights,  which  are  to  no  purpose. 


AFFLICTED    IN    MIND. 


151 


Good  Lord !  take  from  me  that  which  is 
deformed  and  polluted  by  my  corrupt  nature  ;  and 
work  and  establish  me  in  that  which  Thy  grace 
hath  wrought  in  me  ;  that  having  Thy  whole 
armor  fitted  unto  me,  I  may  be  able  to  withstand 
all  assaults  of  the  enemy.  Let  me  not  be  drawn 
away  by  sensuality  or  by  any  of  the  desires  of  the 
flesh,  but  give  me  power  to  tame  my  body  ;  that, 
by  sobriety,  moderation,  and  abstinence  from 
superfluous  things,  I  may  bring  it  into  such  sub- 
jection, as  I  may  better  serve  Thee,  and  walk  in 
the  Spirit. 

Lord,  sequester  me  from  the  darkness,  fdth- 
iness,  and  deceitfulness  of  this  world,  that  I  be 
not  fashioned  like  unto  it,  to  follow  the  multi- 
tude ;  but,  being  changed  by  the  renewing  of  my 
mind,  I  may  walk  uprightly  and  godlily,  looking 
for  the  blessed  appearing  of  my  I^ord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  O  Lord,  be  favorable  and  gracious 
unto  me  in  the  day  of  trial,  and  lead  me  no  far- 
ther into  any  temptation,  than  Thou  wilt  make 
me  able  to  bear.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  I  may  with 
strong  faith  resist  Satan,  and  by  watching,  fasting, 
and  prayer,  may  mortify  the  lusi;  of  the  flesh; 
and,  by  continual  meditation  on  Thy  holy  law,  I 
may  avoid  the  foolish  vanities  and  dangerous 
pleasures  of  this  world. 

Let  not  knowledge  puff  me  up ;  prosperity 
mislead  me  ;  poverty  dismay  me  ;  sickness  turn 
me  into  impatience  ;  nor  this  life  bring  me  to  dis- 
trust in  Thy  providence,  or  force  me  to  seek 
unlawful  means  to  win  them. 

Arm  me,  O  Lord,  with  Thy  Spirit ;  encourage 
me  with  Thy  presence  ;  and  let  all  Thy  children 


152  PRAYERS    ADAPTED   TO    A 

feel  the  effectual  working  of  Thy  power,  which  is 
ever  made  perfect  through  weakness,  even  for 
Jesus  Christ  his  sake,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER    II. 


DEVOTIONS      FOR      THOSE    WHO      ARE     "  AFFL.ICTED 
IN     BODY." 


SECTION  I. 

PRAYERS      ADAPTED    TO   A    SEASOn    OF    GREAT 
MORTALITY. 

The  Lord  killeth  and  maketb  alive;  He  bringeth  down 
to  the  grave  and  bringeth  up.     1  Sam.  ii.  6. 

1.  A  ' Penitential  Confession  and  Supplication 
during  the  Prevalence  of  a  Pestilential  Epi- 
demic* 

O  Almighty,  most  just,  and  merciful  God,  we 
here  acknowledge  ourselves  most  unworthy  to 
lift  up  our  eyes  unto  heaven ;  for  our  conscience 
doth  accuse  us,  and  our  sins  do  reprove  us.     We 


*  This  admirable  prayer  is  copied  from  "  Certain  Pray- 
ers collected  out  of  a  form  of  Godly  Meditations,"  set 
forth  by  royal  authority  in  1G03,  and  "  imprinted  at  Lon- 
don by  Robert  Barker,  printer  to  the  king's  most  excellent 
majesty." 


SEASON    OF    GREAT    MORTALITY.  153 

know  also  that  Thou,  Lord,  being  a  just  judge, 
must  needs  punish  the  sins  of  them  wliich  trans- 
gress Thy  law.  And  when  we  consider  and 
examine  all  our  whole  life,  we  find  nothing  in 
ourselves  that  deserveth  any  other  thing  but 
eternal  damnation.  But  because  Thou,  O  Lord, 
of  Thy  unspeakable  mercy,  hast  commanded  us 
in  all  our  necessities  to  call  only  upon  Thee ;  and 
hast  also  promised  that  Thou  wilt  hear  our 
prayers,  not  for  any  our  desert  (which  is  none), 
but  for  the  merits  of  Thy  Son  our  only  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  whom  Thou  hast  ordained  to  be  our 
only  Mediator  and  Intercessor :  we  lay  away  all 
confidence  in  man,  and  do  flee  to  the  throne  of 
Thy  only  mercy,  by  the  intercession  of  Thy  only 
Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

And,  first  of  all,  we  do  most  lament  and  bewail, 
from  the  bottom  of  our  hearts,  our  unkindness 
and  unthankfulness  towards  Thee  our  Lord  ;  con- 
sidering that  besides  those  Thy  benefits  which  we 
enjoy  as  Thy  creatures,  common  with  all  man- 
kind, Thou  hast  bestowed  many  and  singular 
special  benefits  upon  us,  which  we  are  not  able  in 
heart  to  conceive,  much  less  in  words  worthily  to 
express.  Thou  hast  called  us  to  the  knowledge  of 
Thy  gospel.  Thou  hast  released  us  from  the  hard 
servitude  of  Satan.  Thou  hast  delivered  us  from 
idolatry,  wherein  we  were  utterly  drowned,  and 
hast  brought  us  into  the  most  clear  and  comfort- 
able light  of  Thy  blessed  word  ;  by  the  which  we 
are  taught  how  to  serve  and  honor  Thee,  and 
how  to  live  orderly  with  our  neighbors  in  truth 
and  verity.  But  we,  most  unmindful  in  times  of 
prosperity  of  these  Thy  great  benefits,   have  ne- 


154  PRAYERS    ADAPTED    TO    A 

glected  Thy  commandments ;  have  abused  the 
knowledge  of  Thy  gospel ;  have  followed  our 
carnal  liberty  and  served  our  own  lusts  ;  and 
through  our  sinful  life  have  not  worshipped  and 
honored   Thee  as  we  ought  to  have  done. 

And  now,  O  Lord,  being  even  compelled  with 
Thy  correction,  we  do  most  humbly  confess,  that 
we  have  sinned  and  most  grievously  offended 
Thee  by  many  and  sundry  wajs.  And  if  Thou, 
O  Lord,  wouldest  now,  being  provoked  with  our 
disobedience,  so  deal  with  us  as  Thou  mightest 
and  as  we  have  deserved,  there  remaineth  nothing 
else  to  be  looked  for,  but  universal  and  continual 
plagues  in  this  world,  and  hereafter  eternal  death 
and  damnation,  both  of  our  bodies  and  of  our 
souls.  For,  if  we  should  excuse  ourselves,  our 
own  consciences  would  accuse  us  before  Thee  : 
and  our  own  disobedience  and  wickedness  would 
bear  witness  against  us.  Yea,  even  Thy  plagues 
and  punishments,  Vvliich  Thou  dost  now  lay  open 
upon  us  in  sundry  places,  do  teach  us  to  acknow- 
ledge our  sins.  For,  seeing,  O  Lord,  that  Thou 
art  just,  yea,  even  justice  itself.  Thou  punishest 
no  people  without  desert.  Yea,  even  at  this 
present,  O  Lord,  we  see  Thy  hand  terribly 
stretched  out  to  plague  us  and  punish  ns.  But 
although  Thou  shouldest  punish  us  more  griev- 
ously than  Thou  hast  done,  and  for  one  plague 
send  a  hundred,  if  Thou  shouldest  pour  upon 
us  all  those  Thy  testimonies  of  Thy  most  just 
wrath,  which  in  times  past  Thou  pouredst  on 
Thine  own  chosen  people  of  Israel  :  yet  shouldest 
Thou  do  us  no  wrong,  neither  could  we  deny 
but  we  had  justly  deserved  the  same. 


SEASON    OP    GREAT    MORTALITY.  155 

But  yet,  O  merciful  Lord,  Thou  art  our 
God,  and  we  nothing  but  dust  and  ashes: 
Thou  art  our  Creator,  and  we  the  work  of 
Thy  hands  ;  Thou  art  our  pastor,  we  Thy  flock  : 
Thou  art  our  Redeemer,  and  we  Thy  people 
redeemed.  Wherefore  punish  us  not,  O  Lord, 
in  Thine  anger,  but  chasten  us  in  Thy  mercy. 
Regard  not  the  horror  of  our  sins,  but  our  un- 
feigned repentance.  Perfect  that  work  which 
Thou  hast  begun  in  us,  that  the  whole  world  may 
know  that  Thou  art  our  God  and  merciful  Deli- 
verer. Thy  people  Israel  oftentimes  offended 
Thee,  and  Thou  most  justly  afflictedst  them  :  but 
as  oft  as  they  returned  into  Thee,  Thou  didst 
receive  them  to  Thy  mercy.  And  though  their 
sins  were  never  so  great,  yet  Thou  always 
turnedst  away  Thy  wrath  from  them,  and  the 
punishment  prepared  for  them,  and  that  for  Thy 
covenant  sake,  which  Thou  raadest  with  Thy 
servants,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob.  Thou  hast 
made  the  same  covenant  with  us  (O  heavenly 
Father)  or  rather  a  covenant  of  more  excellency 
and  efficacy  :  and  that,  namely,  through  the  me- 
diation of  Thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour, 
with  whose  most  precious  blood  it  pleased 
Thee,  that  this  covenant  should  be,  as  it  were, 
written,  sealed,  and  confirmed. 

Wherefore,  O  heavenly  Father,  we  now,  cast- 
ing away  all  confidence  in  ourselves  or  any  other 
creature,  do  flee  to  this  most  holy  covenant  and 
testament  ;  wlierein  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ  once  offered  himself  a  sacrifice  for  us  on 
the  cross,  and  hath  reconciled  us  unto  Thee  for 
ever.     Look,  therefore,  O  merciful  God,  not  upon 


156  PRAYERS    ADAPTED    TO    A 

the  sins  which  we  continually  commit;  but  upon 
our  mediator  and  peacemaker  Jesus  Christ,  that, 
by  His  intercession,  Thy  wraih  may  be  pacified, 
and  we  again  by  Thy  fatherly  countenance  re- 
lieved and  comforted.  Receive  us  also  into  Thy 
heavenly  defence  ;  and  govern  us  by  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  frame  in  us  a  newness  of  life,  therein  to 
laud  and  magnify  Thy  blessed  name  for  ever  ; 
and  to  live  every  one  of  us,  according  to  the 
several  state  of  life  whereunto  Thou,  Lord,  hast 
ordained  us,  in  godly  fear  and  trembling  before 
Thee. 

And  although  we  are  unworthy  (O  heavenly 
Father)  by  meansof  our  former  evil  life,  to  crave 
any  thing  of  Thee  ;  yet,  because  Thou  hast  com- 
manded us  to  pray  for  all  men,  we  most  humbly 
here  upon  our  knees  beseech  Thee  to  save  and 
defend  Thy  Holy  Church.  Be  merciful,  O  Lord, 
to  all  commonweals,  countries,  princes,  and  ma- 
gistrates, and  especially  to  this  our  realm,  and  to 
our  most  gracious  King  and  governor.  Increase 
the  number  of  godly  ministers ;  endue  them 
with  Thy  grace,  to  be  found  faithful  and  prudent 
in  their  office.  Defend  the  King's  Majesty's 
council,  and  all  that  be  in  authority  under  him, 
or  thai  serve  in  any  place  by  his  commandment 
for  this  realm. 

We  commend  also  to  thy  Fatherly  mercy  all 
those  that  be  in  poverty,  exile,  imprisonment, 
sickness,  or  any  other  adversity  ;  and,  namely, 
those  whom  Thy  hand  hath  now  touched  with  any 
contagious  and  dangerous  sickness  ;  which  we 
beseech  Thee,  OLord,  of  Thy  mercy  (when  Thy 
blessed  will  is),  to  remove  from  us  f  and  in   the 


SEASON    OF    GREAT    MORTALITY.  157 

mean  time  grant  us  grace  and  true  repentance, 
steadfast  faith,  and  constant  patience,  that,  whe- 
ther we  live  or  die,  we  may  always  continue  Thine, 
and  ever  praise  Thy  holy  name,  and  by  Thy 
great  mercy  be  partakers  of  grace  in  this  life,  and 
eternal  glory  in  the  life  to  come.  Grant  us  these 
and  all  other  our  humble  petitions  (O  merciful 
Father)  for  Thy  dear  Son's  sake  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


2.  A  Psalm  from  the  Scriptures,  for  a  Season  of 
Pestilence.'^ 

O  come,  let  us  humble  ourselves,  and  fall  down 
before  the  Lord  :  with  reverence  and  godly  fear. 
(Psalm  xcv.  6.     Heb.  xii.  28.) 

For  He  is  the  Lord  our  God  :  and  we  are  the 
people  of  His  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  His 
hand.     (Psalm  xcv.  7.) 

Let  us  repent  and  turn  every  one  from  his 
evil  ways  :  and  the  Lord  will  turn  and  repent, 
and  turn  away  from  His  fierce  anger,  that  we 
perish  not.     (Jonah  iii.  8,  9.) 

For  Thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord,  be  merciful  to 
our  sin,  for  it  is  great.     (Psalm  xxv.  10.) 

Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  after  Thy  great 
goodness  :  according  to  the  multitude  of  Thy 
mercies  do  away  our  offences. 

Wash  us  thoroughly  from  our  wickedness  :  and 
cleanse  us  from  our  sins.     (Psalm  li.  1,  2.) 


*  From  the  Form  of  Prayer  for  the  solemn  Fast,  held 
on  March  21st,  1832. 
14 


158  PRAYERS    ADAPTED    TO    A 

O  remember  not  our  sins  and  offences  :  but 
according  to  Thy  mercy  think  Thou  upon  us,  for 
Thy  goodness.     (Psalm  xxv.  G.) 

Help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  for  the  glory 
of  Thy  Name  :  O  deliver  us,  and  be  merciful 
unto  us,  for  Thy  Name's  sake.  (Psalm  Ixxix.  9.) 

Behold,  the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that 
fear  Him :  and  upon  them  that  put  their  trust  in 
His  mercy.     (Psalm  xxxiii.  17.) 

To  deliver  their  soul  from  death  :  their  eyes 
from  tears,  and  their  feet  from  falling.  (Psalm 
cxvi.  8.) 

Thou  art  our  King,  O  God  :  send  help  unto 
Jacob.     (Psalm  xliv.  5.) 

Deliver  us  from  the  noisome  pestilence  :  let 
Thy  faithfulness  and  truth  be  our  shield  and 
buckler. 

Preserve  us  from  all  terror  by  night :  and  from 
the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day. 

From  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness  ; 
and  from  the  sickness  that  destroyeth  in  the 
noonday.     (Psalm  xci.  3 — 6.) 

Give  Thy  holy  angels  charge  of  us  :  to  keep 
us  in  all  our  ways.     (Psalm  xci.  11.) 

Let  no  evil  happen  to  us  :  nor  any  plague 
come  nigh  our  dwellings.     (Psalm  xci.  10.) 

Our  soul  patiently  tarrieth  for  the  Lord ;  for 
He  is  our  help  and  shield. 

Let  thy  merciful  kindness,  O  Lord,  be  upon 
us  :  like  as  we  do  put  our  trust  in  Thee.  (Psalm 
xxxiii.  19,  21.) 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost : 


SEASON    OF    GREAT    MORTALITY.  159 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,   is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


3.  Prayers  J  adapted  to  a  Season  of  Pestilence. 

Most  gracious  Father  and  God,  who  hast  pro- 
mised forgiveness  of  sins  to  all  them  that  with 
hearty  repentance  and  true  faith  turn  unto  Thee, 
look  down,  we  beseech  Thee,  from  heaven  Thy 
dwelling  place,  upon  us  Thy  unworthy  servants, 
who  under  an  awful  apprehension  of  Thy  judg- 
ments, and  a  deep  conviction  of  our  own  sinful- 
ness, prostrate  ourselves  before  Thee.  Have 
pity,  O  Lord,  have  pity  on  Thy  people,  and 
remove  from  us  that  grievous  disease,  against 
which  our  only  security  is  in  Thy  compassion. 
We  confess  with  shame  and  contrition,  that,  in 
the  pride  and.  hardness  of  our  hearts,  we  have 
shewn  ourselves  unthankful  for  Thy  mercies,  and 
have  followed  our  own  imaginations  instead  of 
Thy  holy  laws.  Yet  cast  us  not  away,  O  Lord, 
in  displeasure,  but  give  us  time  for  consideration 
and  repentance,  so  that  receiving  Thy  fatherly 
correction  with  meekness,  and  turning  from  our 
evil  ways,  we  may  be  preserved  in  body  and  soul 
by  Thy  mighty  protection,  through  the  merits 
of  our  only  Alediator  and  Advocate  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


O  God,  who  at  the  prayer  of  David  Thy  ser- 
vant didst  stay  the  hand  ot  the  destroying  Angel 


160  PRAYERS    ADAPTED    TO    A 

when  it  was  lifted  up  against  Jerusalem ,  and  on 
the  repentance  of  Nineveh  didst  spare  that  sinful 
city,  vouchsafe  in  like  manner  to  bow  down 
Thine  ear  to  our  prayer,  and  to  accept  our  re- 
pentance. Withdraw  Thy  chastisements  from  us, 
O  Lord,  and  whilst  Thou  preservest  our  bodies 
from  disease,  so  cleanse  our  hearts  from  all  sinful 
affections,  that,  evermore  striving  to  please  Thee 
in  newness  of  life,  we  may  by  Thee  be  defended 
from  all  evil,  for  the  sake  of  thy  ever  blessed  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


O  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  we  beseech  Thee 
to  inspire  our  hearts  with  so  deep  a  sense  of  our 
own  weakness  and  frailty,  and  such  steadfast 
trust  in  Thy  Providence,  that  we  may  neither 
neglect  the  means  of  preservation,  nor  look  for 
success  in  the  use  of  them,  without  Thy  blessing : 
but  that  keeping  our  bodies  in  temperance,  and 
our  minds  in  peace,  and  succouring  each  other 
in  necessity,  we  may  cast  all  our  care  upon  Thee, 
with  continual  supplication  and  prayer,  that  this 
visitation  may  turn  to  our  profit,  and  help  us 
forward  in  the  way  of  salvation,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


O  Almighty  God,  who  by  the  many  instances 
of  mortality  which  encompass  us  on  every  side, 
dost  call  upon  us  seriously  to  consider  the  short- 


SEASON    OF    GREAT    MORTALITY.  161 

ness  of  our  time  here  upon  earth,  and  remindest 
us  that  in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death,  so 
teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Give  us  grace  to  turn 
unto  Thee  with  timely  repentance,  and  thus  to 
obtain,  through  the  merits  of  our  Saviour,  that 
pardon  to-day,  which  to-morrow  it  may  be  too 
late  to  seek  for  :  that  so  being  strengthened  by 
Thy  good  Spirit  against  the  terrors  of  death,  and 
daily  advancing  in  godliness,  we  may  at  all  times 
be  ready  to  give  up  our  souls  into  Thy  hands,  O 
gracious  Father,  in  the  hope  of  a  blessed  immor- 
tality, through  the  mediation,  and  for  the  merits, 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


4.  Prayers,  that  ice  may  he  prepared  for  Death. 

(1.)   Chiefiy  from  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

O  everlasting  God,  make  me  wise  to  consider 
my  latter  end,  as  knowing  that  Thou  wilt  bring 
me  to  death,  and  to  the  House  appointed  for  all 
living.  Prepare  my  heart  to  seek  Thee,  O  Lord, 
before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen  ;  before  I 
go,  whence  I  shall  not  return,  [when]  I  shall  be- 
hold man  no  more  with  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world.  For  the  grave  cannot  praise  Thee  ;  they 
that  go  down  into  the  pit  cannot  hope  for  thy 
truth.  On  the  bed  of  sickness,  when  the  time  of 
my  departure  is  at  hand  ;  "  in  the  hour  of  death, 
and  in  the  day  of  judgment,  good  Lord  deliver 
me."  Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and 
14* 


162  PRAYERS    ADAPTED    TO    A 

let  my  last  end  be  like  his,  that  I  may  receive  of 
thee  a  crown  of  life,  through  the  merits  of  my 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Amen.  (Deut. 
xxxii.  29.  Job  xxx.  23.  2  Chr.  xxx.  19.  Psal. 
xxxix.  13.  Job  x.  21.  Isa.  xxxviii.  11.  18.  Psal. 
xli.  3.  2Tim.  iv.  6.  The  Litany.  Numb,  xxiii. 
10.     Rev.  ii.  10.) 


(2.)  From  the  Offices  of  the  Church. 

O  God,  whose  days  are  witliout  end,  and  whose 
mercies  cannot  be  numbered  ;  make  me,  I  beseech 
Thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  un- 
certainty of  human  life.  In  the  midst  of  life  I 
am  in  death  ;  of  whom  may  I  seek  for  succor, 
but  of  Thee,  O  Lord,  who  for  my  sins  art  justly 
displeased.  O  grant  me  unfeigned  repentance 
for  all  the  errors  of  my  life  past,  and  a  steadfast 
faith  in  Thy  Son  Jesus,  that  my  sins  may  be  done 
away  by  Thy  mercy,  and  my  pardon  sealed  in 
heaven  before  I  go  hence  and  be  no  more  seen. 
Let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  lead  me  through  this  vale  of 
misery  in  righteousness  and  holiness  all  the  days 
of  my  life  ;  that  when  I  shall  have  served  Thee 
in  my  generation,  I  may  be  gathered  unto  my 
Fathers,  having  the  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science ;  in  the  communion  of  the  catholic  church ; 
in  the  confidence  of  a  certain  faith  ;  in  the  com- 
fort of  a  reasonable,  holy  hope ;  in  favor  with 
Thee,  my  God,  and  in  perfect  charity  with  the 
world.  Fit  and  prepare  me,  O  heavenly  Father, 
against  the  hour  of  death,  that  I  may  then  com- 


SEASON    OP    GREAT    MORTALITY.  163 

mend  my  soul  into  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Creator 
and  most  merciful  Saviour.  And  do  Thou  wash 
it  in  the  blood  of  that  Immaculate  Lamb  who  was 
slain  for  the  sins  of  the  world  ;  that  whatsoever 
defilements  it  may  have  contracted,  being  purified 
and  done  away,  it  may  without  spot  be  presented 
unto  Thee.  Grant,  O  Almighty  God,  with  whom 
do  live  the  spirits  of  them  that  depart  hence  in 
the  Lord,  and  with  whom  the  souls  of  the  faith- 
ful, after  they  are  delivered  from  the  burthen  of 
the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity,  that,  with  all 
them  that  are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  Thy 
Holy  Name,  I  may  have  my  perfect  consumma- 
tion and  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  Thy 
eternal  and  everlasting  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


(3.)  A  Prayer  for  a  hies  seel  Departure,  to  he  used 
either  in  the  Time  of  Health  or  in  Sickness, 

O  blessed  Jesu,  Fountain  of  eternal  mercy, 
the  Life  of  the  Soul,  and  glorious  Conqueror  over 
death  and  sin,  I  humbly  beseech  Thee  to  give  me 
grace  so  to  spend  this  transitory  life,  that  when 
the  day  of  my  death  shall  come,  in  the  midst  of 
all  my  pains  I  may  feel  the  sweet  refreshings  of 
Thy  Holy  Spirit  comforting  my  soul,  sustaining 
mine  infirmities,  and  relieving  all  my  spiritual 
necessities  :  and  grant,  that  in  the  unity  of  the 
holy  catholic  church  and  in  the  integrity  of 
Christian  Faith,  with  confidence  and  hope  of 
Thy  mercy,  in  great  love  towards  Thee,  in  peace 


164  PRAYERS,    &;C. 

with  my  neighbors  and  in  charity  with  all  the 
world,  I  may,  through  Thy  grace,  depart  hence 
out  of  this  vale  of  misery,  and  go  into  that  glo- 
rious country,  where  Thou  hast  purchased  an 
inheritance  for  us  with  the  price  of  Thy  most 
precious  blood,  and  reignest  in  it  gloriously,  in 
the  Unity  of  Thy  Father  and  ours,  and  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  and  our  Comforter,  ever  one  God  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


(4.)  A  Prayer  J  that   we   may  he  prepared  for 
Death. 

Eternal  and  Unchangeable  Jehovah  !  so  teach 
me  *  to  number  my  days,  that  1  may  apply  my 
heart  unto  wisdom.  May  I  ever  remember,  that 
it  is  appointed  unto  man  once  to  die :  and  that 
after  death  there  is  the  judgment.  May  I  not 
presume  even  on  another  day,  not  knowing  what 
a  day  may  bring  forth.  Suffer  me  not  to  neglect 
the  great  salvation,  or  to  delay  to  a  future  season 
the  grand  concern  of  life.  Prepare  me,  O  Lord, 
for  death,  for  judgment,  and  for  eternity.  Grant 
me,  by  faith,  a  personal  interest  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  May  I  be  justified  freely  by  Thy  grace, 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  at  the  great  day  of  his  appearing,  may  I  be 
found  in  Him  !  May  I  be  delivered  from  the  dis- 
tressing fear  of  death,  by  trusting  in  Him  who 

*  The  word  me  and  1  may  be  changed  into  us  and  we 
if  this  prayer  be  used  in  a  family. 


SELECTIONS  FROM  THE  SCRIPTURES.   165 

hath  subdued  death,  and  taken  away  its  sting. 
Prepare  me  for  that  world,  into  which  death  can 
never  enter.  By  the  sanctifying  influences  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  fit  me  for  Thy  presence  above.  Make 
me  meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light; 
and  when  the  time  of  my  departure  from  this 
world  shall  arrive,  may  I  depart  in  peace,  and 
have  an  abundant  entrance  into  Thy  heavenly 
kingdom.  I  present  these  my  petitions  in  the 
name  of  the  blessed  Mediator  ;  to  whom,  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  glory  for  ever. 
Amen. 


SECTION  n. 


SELECTIONS    FROM    THE    HOLY     SCRIPTURES    SUITABLE    TO 
A     SEASON    OF    SICKNESS.* 


%*  These  Selections  may  either  be  read  to  or  by  the 
Sick  Person,  one  or  more  at  a  time,  according  to  circum- 
stances. 


Selection    I. 
On  the  Mortality  of  Man. 

God  created  man  to  be  immortal,  and  made 
Him  to  be  an  image  of  His  own  eternity.  Never- 
theless,   through  envy  of  the  devil  came  death 


*  These  selections  are  taken  from  Hele's  Select  Offices 
of  Devotion. 


166  SELECTIONS    FROM 

into  the  world,  and  they  that  do  hold  of  his  side 
do  find  it.     (Wisd.  iv.  23,  24.) 

The  serpent  beguiled  Eve  through  his  subtilty. 
(2  Cor.  xi.  3.) 

And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was 
good,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a 
tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of 
the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat ;  and  gave  also  unto 
her  husband  with  her,  and  he  did  eat.  And  unto 
Adam  God  said,  Because  thou  hast  hearkened 
unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife,  and  hast  eaten  of  the 
tree,  of  which  I  commanded  thee,  saying.  Thou 
shalt  not  eat  of  it :  cursed  is  the  ground  for  thy 
sake  ;  in  sorrow  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days 
of  thy  life.  In  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou 
eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto  the  ground  ;  for 
out  of  it  wast  thou  taken :  for  dust  thou  art,  and 
unto  dust  shalt  thou  return.    (Gen.  iii.  G.  17. 19.) 

By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and 
death  by  sin  ;  and  so  death  passed  upon  all  men, 
for  that  all  have  sinned.     (Rom.  v.  12.) 

It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die.  (Heb. 
ix.  27.) 

All  go  unto  one  place  :  all  are  of  the  dust,  and 
all  turn  to  dust  again.     (Eccles.  iii.  20.) 

For  when  the  breath  of  man  goeth  forth,  he 
shall  turn  again  to  his  earth  ;  and  then  all  his 
thoughts  perish.     (Psal.  cxlvi.  3.) 

And  he  (as  a  rotten  thing)  consumeth,  as  a 
garment  that  is  moth-eaten.     (Job  xiii.  28.) 

The  voice  said.  Cry  :  and  he  said,  What  shall 
I  cry  1  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness 
thereof  is  as  the  flower  of  the  field.  The  grass 
vvithereth,  the  flower  fadeth  ;  because  the  Spirit 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  167 

of  the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it ;  surely  the  people 
is  grass.     (Isa.  xl.  6,  7.) 

For  what  is  your  life  ?  It  is  even  a  vapor, 
that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and  then  vanish- 
eth  away.     (James  iv.  14.) 

O  that  they  were  wise  :  that  they  understood 
this  ;  that  they  would  consider  their  latter  end. 
(Deut.  xxxii.  29.) 

Selection  II. 

On  the  CertainUj  of  a  Future  Judgment,  and  on 
the  Necessity  of  being  alivays  prepared  for  it. 

Truly  the  light  is  sweet ;  and  a  pleasant  thing 
it  is  for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  sun  ;  but  if  a  man 
live  many  years,  and  rejoice  in  them  all ;  yet  let 
him  remember  the  days  of  darkness,  for  they 
shall  be  many  :  all  that  cometh  is  vanity.  Re- 
joice, O  young  man,  in  thy  youth  :  and  let  thy 
heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth  ;  and 
walk  in  the  ways  of  thy  heart,  and  in  the  sight  of 
thine  eyes  :  but  know  thou  that  for  all  these 
things  God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment.  For 
God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with 
every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or  whether 
it  be  evil.     (Eccles.  xi.  7 — 9.  ;  xii.  14.) 

Because  He  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  the 
which  He  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness, 
by  that  Man  whom  He  hath  ordained  ;  whereof 
He  hath  given  assurance  unto  all  men,  in  that 
He  hath  raised  Him  from  the  dead.  (Acts  xvii. 
31.) 

But  the  day  of  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  thief 


168  SELECTIONS    FROM 

in  the  night,  in  the  which  the  heavens  shall  pass 
away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall 
melt  with  fervent  heat ;  the  earth  also,  and  the 
works  that  are  therein,  shall  be  burnt  up.  (2 
Pet.  iii.  9.) 

Watch,  therefore,  for  ye  know  not  what  hour 
your  Lord  doth  come.     (Matt.  xxiv.  42.) 

At  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made.  Behold, 
the  Bridegroom  cometh  ;  go  ye  out  to  meet  Him. 
And  the  Bridegroom  came  ;  and  they  that  were 
ready  went  in  with  Him  to  the  marriage ;  and 
the  door  was  shut.  Afterward  came  also  the 
other  virgins,  saying,  Lord,  Lord,  open  unto  us. 
But  He  answered  and  said.  Verily,  I  say  unto  you, 
I  know  you  not.     (Matt.  xxv.  6.  10—12.) 

Be  ye  therefore  ready.  And  take  heed  to 
yourselves,  lest  at  any  time  your  hearts  be  over- 
charged with  surfeiting  and  drunkenness,  and 
cares  of  this  life,  and  so  that  day  come  upon  you 
unawares.     (Luke  xii.  40.  ;  xxi.  34.) 

Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and  your  lights 
burning :  and  ye  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
wait  for  their  Lord,  when  He  will  return  from 
the  wedding,  that  when  He  cometh  and  knocketh, 
they  may  open  unto  Him  immediately.  Blessed 
are  those  servants,  whom  the  Lord,  when  he 
cometh,  shall  find  watching  :  verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  that  He  shall  gird  himself,  and  make  them 
to  sit  down  to  meat,  and  will  come  forth  and 
serve  them.  And  if  He  shall  come  in  the  second 
watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and  find  them 
so,  blessed  are  those  servants.  Be  ye  therefore 
ready  also  ;  for  the  Son  of  Man  cometh  at  an 
hour  when  ye  think  not.    (Luke  xii.  35 — 38. 40.) 


THE    SCRIPTURES. 


Selection  III. 
On  the  Shortness  and  Vanity  of  this  Life. 

Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days, 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a 
flower,  and  is  cut  down  ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a  sha- 
dow, and  continueth  not.  Man  dieth  and  wasteth 
away  ;  yea,  man  giveth  up  the  ghost  ;  and  where 
is  he  ?  His  days  are  determined  ;  the  number  of 
his  months  are  with  Thee ;  Thou  hast  appointed 
his  bounds  that  he  cannot  pass.  (Job  xiv.  1,  2. 
10.5.) 

Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and  the 
measure  of  my  days,  what  it  is  ;  that  I  may  know 
how  frail  I  am.  Behold,  Thou  hast  made  my 
days  as  an  hand-breath,  and  mine  age  is  as 
nothing  before  Thee :  verily  every  man  at  his 
best  estate  is  altogether  vanity.  (Psal.  xxxix.  4,  5.) 

For  a  thousand  years  in  Thy  sight  are  but  as 
yesterday,  seeing  that  is  past  as  a  watch  in  the 
night. 

As  soon  as  Thou  scatterest  them,  they  are 
even  as  a  sleep  ;  and  fade  away  suddenly  like  the 
grass. 

In  the  morning  it  is  green,  and  groweth  up; 
but  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  dried  up,  and 
withered. 

For  we  consume  away  in  Thy  displeasure  ;  and 
are  afraid  at  Thy  wrathful  indignation. 

Thou  hast  set  our  misdeeds  before  Thee,  and 
our  secret  sins  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance. 

For  when  Thou  art  angry,  all  our  days  are 
15 


170  SELECTIONS    FROM 

gone  ;  we  bring  our  years  to  an  end,  as  it  were  a 
tale  that  is  told. 

The  days  of  our  age  are  three  score  years  and 
ten  :  and  though  men  be  so  strong,  that  they 
come  to  fourscore  years  ;  yet  is  their  strength 
then  but  labor  and  sorrow ;  so  soon  passeth  it 
away,  and  we  are  gone.    (Psal.  xc.  4 — 10.) 


Selection  IV. 
Supplicatory  for  Pardon  of  Sin. 

Lord,  what  is  my  hope  ?  truly  my  hope  is  even 
in  Thee.  (Psal.  xxxix.  8.) 

I  have  sinned  :  what  shall  I  do  unto  Thee,  O 
Thou  preserver  of  men  ?     (Job  vii.  20.) 

I  will  confess  my  wickedness,  and  be  sorry  for 
my  sin.     (Job  xxxviii.  18.) 

I  said  I  will  take  heed  unto  my  ways,  that  I 
offend  not  in  my  tongue.     (Job  xxxix.  1.) 

When  Thou  with  rebukes  dost  chasten  man 
for^in,  Thou  makest  his  beauty  to  consume  away 
like  as  it  were  a  moth  fretting  a  garment ;  every 
man  therefore  is  but  vanity.  For  man  walketh 
in  a  vain  shadow,  and  disquieteth  himself  in  vain  ; 
he  heapeth  up  riches,  and  cannot  tell  who  shall 
gather  them.  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  with 
Thine  ears  consider  my  calling  :  hold  not  Thy 
peace  at  my  tears.  For  I  am  a  stranger  with 
Thee,  and  a  sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers  were. 

O  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover  my 
strength,  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen. 
(Psal.  xxxix.  12.  7.  1.3-15.) 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  171 

O  remember  not  against  us  our  former  ini- 
quities :  let  Thy  tender  mercies  speedily  prevent 
us.  Help  us,  O  God  of  my  salvation,  for  the 
glory  of  Thy  name  :  deliver  us  ;  and  purge  away 
our  sins,  for  Thy  name's  sake.  (Psal.  Ixxix.  8,  9.) 

Deal  bountifully  with  Thy  servant,  that  I  may 
live,  and  keep  Thy  word.     (Psal.  cxix.  7.) 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.     (Psal.  xc.  12.) 

Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous  ;  and  let 
my  last  end  be  like  his.     (Numb,  xxiii.  10.) 

O  send  out  Thy  light  and  Thy  truth  ;  let  them 
lead  me,  let  them  bring  me  unto  Thy  holy  hill, 
and  to  Thy  tabernacles.     (Psal.  xliii.  3.) 


Selection  V. 
On  the  Uncertainty  of  the  Time  of  our  Death, 

I  must  work  the  works  of  Him  that  sent  Me 
while  it  is  day  :  the  night  cometh  when  no  man 
can  work.     (John  ix.  4.) 

For  man  knoweth  not  his  time  :  as  the  fishes 
that  are  taken  in  an  evil  net ;  and  as  the  birds 
that  are  caught  in  the  snare  ;  so  are  the  sons  of 
men  snared  in  an  evil  time,  when  it  falleth  sud- 
denly upon  them.     (Eccles.  ix.  12.) 

O  God,  Thou  knowest  my  foolishness,  and  my 
sins  are  not  hid  from  Thee.     (Psal.  Ixix.  5.) 

Remember,  I  beseech  Thee,  that  Thou  hast 
made  me  as  the  clay ;  and  wilt  Thou  bring  me 
into  dust  again  1     Are  not  my  days  few  ?  Cease 


172  SELECTIONS    FROM 

then,  and  let  me  alone,  that  I  may  take  comfort 
a  little,  before  I  go  whence  I  shall  not  return, 
even  to  the  hind  of  darkness,  and  the  shadow  of 
death  : — A  land  of  darkness,  as  darkness  itself; 
and  of  the  shadow  of  death,  without  any  order  ; 
and  where  the  light  is  as  darkness.  (Job  x.  9. 
20—22.) 

I  would  seek  unto  God,  and  unto  God  would 
I  commit  my  cause.  Though  He  slay  me,  yet 
will  I  trust  in  Him.     (Job  v.  8. ;  xiii.  15.) 

For  He  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor 
forsake  thee.     (Heb.  xiii.  5.) 


Selection  VI. 

Life  and  Immortality  brought  to  Light  through 
the  Gospel. —  Universality  of  the  Last  Judg- 
ment. 

The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh  alive ;  He 
bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and  bringeth  up. 
(1  Sam.  ii.  6.) 

God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever :  He  will  be 
our  guide  even  unto  death.     (Psal.  xlviii.  14.) 

What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in  Thee. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  I  w^ill  fear  no  evil ;  for  Thou  art 
with  me  ;  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff  they  comfort 
me.     (Psal.  Ivi.  3. ;  xxiii.  4.) 

For  I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am 
persuaded  that  He  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I 
have  committed  unto  Him  against  that  day  : 

Who  hath  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  an  holy 
calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according 


THE    SCRIPTURES. 


173 


to  His  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given 
us  in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began ;  but 
is  now  made  manifest,  by  the  appearing  of  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Who  hath  aboHshed  death, 
and  hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light 
through  the  Gospel.     (2  Tim.  i.  12.  9,  10.) 

For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall 
all  be  made  alive.     (1  Cor.  xv.  22.) 

For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  He  gave  His 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in 
Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 
(John  iii.  16.) 

And  this  is  the  Father's  will  which  hath  sent 
Me,  that  of  all  which  He  hath  given  Me  I  should 
lose  nothing,  but  should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 
last  day.  I  am  He  that  liveth,  and  was  dead  ; 
and  behold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore.  Amen  ;  and 
have  the  keys  of  hell,  and  of  death.  (John  vi.  39. 
Rev.  i.  18.) 

Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  (1  Cor.  xv. 
54.) 

I  saw  a  great  white  throne,  and  Him  that  sat 
on  it ;  from  Whose  face  the  earth  and  the  heaven 
fled  away,  and  there  was  found  no  place  for  them. 
And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  be- 
fore God,  and  the  books  were  opened  ;  and  another 
book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life:  and 
the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things  which 
were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their 
works.  And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which 
were  in  it,  and  death  and  hell  delivered  up  the 
dead  which  were  in  them  ;  and  they  were  judged 
every  man  according  to  their  works.  And  death 
and  hell  were  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire.  And 
15* 


174  SELECTIONS    FROM 

whosoever  was  not  found  written  in  the  book  of 
life,  was  cast  into  the  lake  of  fire.  (Rev.  xx. 
11—15.) 

The  fearful,  and  unbelieving,  and  the  abomi- 
nable, and  murderers,  and  whoremongers,  and 
sorcerers,  and  idolaters,  and  all  liars,  shall  have 
their  part  in  the  lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and 
brimstone,  which  is  the  second  death.  But  he 
that  overcometh,  shall  inherit  all  things ;  and  I 
will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  My  son.  (Rev. 
xxi.  8.  7.) 


Selection  VII. 

On  the  Certainty  of  Deaths  and  of  a  General 
Resurrection  to  Eternal  Life. 

There  is  a  time  to  be  born,  and  a  time  to  die. 
(Eccles.  iii.  2.) 

I  know  that  Thou  wilt  bring  me  to  death,  and 
to  the  house  appointed  for  all  living.  When  a 
few  years  are  come,  then  I  shall  go  the  way 
whence  I  shall  not  return.  (Job  xxx.  23. ;  xvi. 
22.) 

If  I  wait,  the  grave  is  mine  house  :  I  have  made 
my  bed  in  the  darkness. 

I  have  said  to  corruption.  Thou  art  my  father ; 
to  the  worm.  Thou  art  my  mother  and  my  sister. 
•(Job  xvii.  13,  14.) 

All  flesh  shall  perish  together  ;  and  man  shall 
turn  again  unto  dust.     (Job  xxxiv.  15.) 

Our  days  on  the  earth  are  as  a  shadow,  and 
there  is  none  abiding.     (1  Chron.  xxxix.  15.) 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  175 

What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see 
death  ?  Shall  he  deliver  his  soul  from  the  hand 
of  the  grave  ?     (Psal.  Ixxxix.  4S.) 

Man  being  in  honor  abideth  not :  he  is  like 
the  beasts  that  perish.  He  shall  go  to  the  gen- 
eration of  his  fathers:  they  shall  never  see  light. 
(Psal.  xlix.  12.  19.) 

They  are  laid  in  the  grave  :  death  shall  feed  on 
them  ;  and  their  beauty  shall  consume  in  the 
grave  from  their  dwelling.  But  God  will  redeem 
my  soul  from  the  power  of  the  grave  ;  for  He 
shall  receive  me.     (Psal.  xlix.  14,  15.) 

Therefore  my  heart  is  glad  ;  and  my  glory  re- 
joiceth  ;  my  flesh  also  shall  rest  in  hope.  (Psal. 
xvi.  9.) 

For  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that 
He  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the  earth  : 
and  though  after  my  skin,  worms  destroy  this 
body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see  God.  (Job  xix. 
25,  26.) 

For  to  tliis  end  Christ  both  died,  and  rose,  and 
revived,  that  He  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead 
and  living.     (Rom.  xiv.  9.) 

For  He  must  reign,  till  He  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  His  feet.  The  last  enemy  that  shall  be 
destroyed  is  death.     (1  Cor.  xv.  25,  26.) 

O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  wdiere 
is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  and 
the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law.  But  thanks  be  to 
God,  which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     (I  Cor>  xv.  5o — 57.) 

Who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be 
fashioned  like  unto  His  glorious  body,  according 
to  the  working  whereby  He  is  able  even  to  sub- 
due all  things  unto  Himself.     (Phil.  iii.  21.) 


176  SELECTIONS    FROM 

Jesus  said  unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrection  and 
the  life  :  he  that  believeth  in  Me,  though  he 
were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live.  And  whosoever 
liveth  and  believeth  in  Me,  shall  never  die. 
(John  xi.  25,  20.) 

For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died,  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus 
will  God  bring  with  Him.  For  the  Lord  Himself 
shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the 
voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of 
God;  and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first. 
Then  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  shall  be 
caught  up  together  with  them  in  the  clouds,  to 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,  and  so  shall  we  ever  be 
with  the  Lord.     (1  Thess.  iv.  14.  16,  17.) 


Selection  VIII. 

Death  the  Lot  of  all  Men. —  Tribulation  the  Way 
to  the  Kingdom  of  God. —  The  Felicity  of  the 
Righteous. 

Is  there  not  an  appointed  time  to  man  upon 
earth  1  Are  not  his  days  also  like  the  days  of  an 
hireling  1     (Job  vii.  1.) 

We  are  but  of  yesterday,  and  know  nothing ; 
because  our  days  upon  earth  are  a  shadow.  (Job 
viii.  9.) 

We  dwell  in  houses  of  clay,  whose  foundation 
is  in  the  dust,  which  are  crushed  before  the  moth. 
(Job  iv.  19.) 

Wise  men  also  die,  and  perish  together,  as  well 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  177 

as  the  ignorant  and  foolish,  and  leave  their  riches 
for  others.     (Psal.  xlix.  10.) 

There  is  no  man  that  hath  power  over  the 
Spirit,  to  retain  the  Spirit :  neither  hath  he  power 
in  the  day  of  death  ;  and  there  is  no  discharge 
in  that  war.     (Eccles.  viii.  8.) 

He  cometh  in  with  vanity,  and  departeth  in 
darkness;  and  his  name  shall  be  covered  with 
darkness.     (Eccles.  vi.  4.) 

One  dieth  in  his  full  strength,  being  wholly  at 
ease,  and  quiet ; 

His  breasts  are  full  of  milk,  and  his  bones  are 
moistened  with  marrow  : 

And  another  dieth  in  the  bitterness  of  his  soul, 
and  never  eateth  with  pleasure. 

They  shall  lie  down  alike  in  the  dust  and  the 
worms  shall  cover  them.     (Job  xxi.  23 — 26.) 

But  I  said,  O  my  God,  take  me  not'  away  in 
the  midst  of  mine  age :  as  for  Thy  years,  they 
endure  throughout  all  generations. 

Thou,  Lord,  in  the  beginning  hast  laid  the 
foundation  of  the  earth  ;  and  the  heavens  are  the 
work  of  Thy  hands. 

They  shall  perish ;  but  Thou  shalt  endure  : 
they  all  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  garment. 

And  as  a  vesture  shalt  Thou  change  them,  and 
they  shall  be  changed  ;  but  Thou  art  the  same, 
and  Thy  years  shall  not  fail. 

The  children  of  Thy  servants  shall  continue  ; 
and  their  seed  shall  be  established  before  Thee. 
(Psal.  cii.  24—28.) 

I  will  ransom  them  from  the  power  of  the  grave  ; 
I  will  redeem  them  from  death  :  O  death,  I  will 
be  thy  plagues  :  O  grave,  I  will  be  thy  destruc- 
tion.    (Hos.  xiii.  14.) 


17S 


SELECTIONS    FROM 


Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death 
of  His  saints.     (Psal.  cxvi.  15.) 

They  that  sow  in  tears   shall  reap  in  joy. 

And  their  inheritance  shall  be  for  ever.  (Psal. 
cxxvi.  5. ;  xxxvii.  18.) 

I  beheld,  and  lo  !  a  great  multitude,  which  no 
man  could  number,  of  all  nations,  and  kindreds, 
and  people,  and  tongues,  stood  before  the  throne, 
and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes, 
and  palms  in  their  hands.  These  are  they  which 
came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb.  Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne 
of  God,  and  serve  Him  day  and  night  in  His 
temple ;  and  He  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall 
dwell  among  them.     (Rev.  vii.  9.  14,  15.) 

He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  Churches :  To  him  that 
overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hidden  manna, 
and  will  give  him  a  white  stone,  and  in  the  stone 
a  new  name  written,  which  no  man  knoweth  sav- 
ing he  that  receiveth  it.     (Rev.  ii.  7.) 

The  same  shall  be  clothed  in  white  raiment; 
and  I  will  not  blot  out  his  name  out  of  the  book 
of  life,  but  I  will  confess  his  name  before  my 
Father,  and  before  His  angels. 

To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant  to  sit  with 
Me  and  My  throne,  even  as  I  also  overcame,  and 
am  set  down  with  My  Father  in  His  throne. 
(Rev.  iii.  5.  21.) 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  179 


Selection  IX. 


^  References  to  select  Chapters  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, which  may  he  profitably  read  during  a 
long  Illness. 

Although  the  whole  Bible  is  the  Word  of  God, 
and  of  Divine  Inspiration,  yet  there  are  certain 
portions  of  that  sacred  volume,  which  are  more 
peculiarly  fitted  to  the  state  and  confinement  of 
the  sick  room,  especially  during  long-continued 
illness,  viz. 

1.  Isa.  xxxviii.  and  2  Cor.  v. 

2.  Lam.  iii.  and  Luke  xvi. 

3.  Job  xiv.  and  John  xi. 

4.  Isa.  xxvi.  and  Luke  xv. 

5.  Eccles.  xi.  and  James  iv. 

6.  Mai.  iii.  and  1  Pet.  i. 

7.  Isa.  Ixiv.  and  Matt.  xxv. 

8.  Isa.  Ixv.  and  1  Cor.  xv. 

9.  Job  vii,  and  Rom.  viii. 

10.  Job  ii.  and  I  Thess.  iv.  from  v.  11.  and  v. 

11.  Isa.  liii.  and  John  xvii. 

12.  Isa.  Iv.  and  Heb.  xii. 

13.  Isa.  xl.  and  Phil.  iii. 

14.  Job  xxxiii.  and  John  xiv. 


180  PSALMS    SUITABLE 

SECTION  III. 


PSALMS  SUITABLE  FOR  MEDITATION  DURING  SICKNESS 
OR  affliction;  with  COLLECTS  FOUNDED  ON  THEM, 
BY    BISHOP    TAYLOR." 

1.  Psalm  VI. — A  Prayer  for  the  Remission  of 
Sins. 

O  most  merciful  God,  whose  property  is  always 
to  Lave  mercy  and  to  forgive  :  Behold  with  the 
eyes  of  Thy  pity  and  compassion  the  state  of  Thy 
humble  servant,  made  more  miserable  by  reason 
of  my  sins.  Hear  the  voice  of  my  weeping  ;  pity 
my  groaning  ;  strengthen  me,  for  I  am  weak ; 
heal  me,  for  my  bones  are  vexed  ;  and  deliver 
my  soul  from  death,  that,  being  saved  from  the 
bottomless  pit,  I  may  give  thanks  unto  Thy  holy 
name.  O  turn  from  the  severity  of  Thy  dis- 
pleasure, and  visit  me  with  Thy  mercy  and  sal- 
vation. For  all  my  sins  give  me  great  sorrow 
and  contrition,  and  in  my  sorrows  let  Thy  com- 
forts sustain  me,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


2.  Psalm   XXV. — A   Prayer  for  Deliverance 
from  Sin  and  Punishment. 

O  righteous  and  gracious  Lord  God,  who  art 

*  The  words  of  these  Psalms  are  not  given,  that  this 
Manual  may  not  be  unnecessarily  enlarged. 


FOR    MEDITATION.  181 

the  guide  of  the  meek,  and  teachest  the  humble 
and  gentle  in  Thy  way,  forgive  the  sins  and 
offences  of  my  youth.  And,  although  by  them 
I  have  deserved  Thy  wrath  and  that  I  be  put  to 
confusion,  yet  be  Thou  pleased  to  think  upon  me 
for  Thy  goodness  and  according  to  Thy  mercy  : 
that  when  Thou  hast  forgiven  me  cU  my  sin,  and 
taken  away  my  adversity,  and  all  my  misery, 
Thou  mayest  keep  my  soul  in  perfectness  and 
righteous  dealing  ;  that,  at  last,  I  may  dwell  at 
ease,  free  from  trouble,  and  safe  from -all  mine 
enemies,  even  when  I  shall  inherit  the  land  of 
everlasting  rest,  where  Thou  livest  and  reignest, 
eternal  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


3.  Psalm  XXXII. — Confession  oj  Sins,  and  a 
Prayer  for  Pardon, 

O  Lord  God,  Eternal  Judge  of  men  and  an- 
gels, whose  property  is  always  to  have  mercy 
and  to  forgive  ;  have  mercy  upon  me,  who  con- 
fess my  sins  to  be  so  great  and  many,  that,  were 
not  Thy  mercy  infinite,  I  might  despair  of  having 
my  unrighteousness  forgiven  or  my  sins  covered. 
Preserve  me,  O  God,  from  the  great  plagues  that 
remain  for  the  ungodly  ;  and  let  Thy  mercy  em- 
brace me  on  every  side.  Impute  not  to  me  the 
sins  I  have  multiplied  against  Thee  and  against 
all  the  world.  O  let  not  Thine  hand  be  heavy 
upon  me  ;  but  forgive  the  wickedness  of  my  sin, 
and  compass  me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance. 
Then  shall  I  be  glad,  and  rejoice  in  Thee,  O 


182  PSALMS    SUITABLE 

Lord,  who  art  become  my  mighty  Saviour  and 
most  merciful  Redeemer.     Amen. 


4.  Psalm  XXXVIIT. — A  Prayer  for  Remission 
of  Sins. 

O  Lord,  who  knowest  all  my  desires,  and  from 
whom  my  groaning  is  not  hid,  I  confess  before 
Thee  my  many  wickednesses,  and  am  truly  sorry 
for  my  sins.  My  wickednesses  are  gone  over  my 
head,  and  are  a  sore  burthen,  too  heavy  for  me  to 
bear.  My  enemy,  the  devil,  is  malicious  and 
mighty  ;  my  weaknesses  are  many;  my  tempta- 
tions, strong  ;  my  conscience  doth  busily  accuse 
me.  Where  shall  I  appear  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment ?  How  shall  I  stand  upright  in  the  eternal 
scrutiny  ?  My  trust  is  in  thy  merits,  O  blessed 
Jesus ;  thou  art  my  judge  and  my  advocate. 
Thou  shalt  answer  for  me,  O  Lord  my  God. 
Put  me  not  to  rebuke,  O  Lord,  in  thine  anger, 
for  it  is  insupportable ;  neither  let  thy  whole 
displeasure  arise.  O  let  not  the  arrows  of  thy 
vengeance  stick  fast  in  me  ;  forsake  me  not,  O 
Lord  God  of  my  salvation,  who  hast  redeemed 
me  and  saved  me  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


FOR    MEDITATION.  183 

5.  Psalm  XXXIX. — A  Meditation  on  the  Short- 
ness and  Vanity  of  JLije  ;  and  a  Prayer  pre- 
paratory to  Death. 

O  Eternal  God,  who  art  without  beginning  or 
end  of  days,  Thou  hast  given  me  a  short  portion 
of  Time  in  the  generation  of  this  world  ;  my 
condition  is  vain,  unsatisfying,  and  full  of  dis- 
quiet, and  I  have  no  hope  but  in  Thee,  O  Lord. 
O  teach  me  to  number  my  days,  to  remember 
and  to  know  my  end,  that  so  I  may  never  sin 
against  Thee  ;  and  grant  that  I  may  live  as 
always  dying,  being  of  mortified  soul  and  body, 
of  bridled  tongue  and  affections  :  and  that,  hav- 
ing recovered  my  strength  lost  by  the  commission 
of  sins, — when  I  go  hence,  and  am  no  more  seen, 
— I  may  have  a  residence  in  those  mansions 
which  are  prepared  for  the  saints  by  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


6.  Psalm  LI. — A  Prayer  for  the  Pardon   of 
Sins  and  the  Restitution  of  God's  Favor. 

O  most  merciful  God,  whose  goodness  is  great, 
and  the  multitudes  of  thy  mercies  are  innumer- 
able, have  mercy  upon  me :  for  my  sins  are  ever 
before  me,  presented  by  the  continual  accusations 
of  a  troubled  conscience.  I  have  sinned  against 
Thee,  and  done  evil  in  Thy  sight,  and  yet,  be- 
cause Thou  art  the  God  of  mercy  and  Fountain 
of  eternal  purity,  delighting  in  the  conversion  and 
salvation  of  a  sinner,  I  present  unto  Thee  the 


184  PSALMS    SUITABLE 

sacrifice  of  a  troubled  spirit,  of  a  broken  and 
contrite  heart,  beseeching  Thee  to  let  the  dew 
of  Thy  favor  and  the  fire  of  Thy  love  wash 
away  my  sins  and  purify  my  soul.  Make  me  a 
clean  heart,  O  God,  and  pure  hands  :  and  though 
my  sins  be  as  scarlet,  yet  do  Thou  make  them 
like  wool ;  though  they  be  as  purple,  yet  make 
them  as  white  as  snow.  Restore  to  me  the 
voice  of  joy  and  gladness  ;  let  me  not  be  forever 
separate  from  the  sweet  refreshings  of  Thy  favor 
and  presence :  but  give  me  the  comforts  of  Thy 
help  again,  and  let  Thy  good  Spirit  loose  me 
from  the  bondage  of  sin,  and  establish  me  in  the 
liberty  and  freedom  of  the  sons  of  God.  So  shall 
I  sing  of  Thy  righteousness,  and  my  lips  shall 
give  Thee  praise  in  the  congregation  of  Thy 
redeemed  ones,  now,  henceforth,  and  for  ever. 
Amen. 


7.  Psalm  LXXXVIII.— ^  Prmjer  in    Time  of 
Sickness  and  Danger  of  Death. 

O  Lord  God  of  our  salvation,  who  for  our 
sakes  wert  wounded  and  didst  die  and  lie  in  the 
grave,  but  yet,  alone  of  all  that  ever  died,  wert 
free  among  the  dead,  and  by  Thine  own  power 
didst  rise  again  with  victory  and  triumph  ;  have 
mercy  upon  Thy  servant,  for  thine  indignation 
lieth  hard  upon  me.  My  soul  is  full  of  trouble 
by  reason  of  my  sins,  and  my  life  draweth  nigh 
unto  the  grave.  Restore  me  unto  Thy  favor, 
nor  let  my  life  go  into  the  place  where  all  things 


FOR    MEDITATION.  185 

are  forgotten;  but  let  me  show  forth  Thy  loving- 
kindness  among  Thy  redeemed  ones  in  the  land 
of  the  living ;  for  the  living— the  living — he 
shall  praise  Thee,  and  confess  the  holiness  and 
the  mercies  of  Thy  holy  n  ame.  O  hide  not  Thou 
Thy  face  from  me,  but  give  me  health  of  body  : 
and  restore  and  preserve  me  in  the  life  of  right- 
eousness ;  and  so  bless  me  with  opportunities  of 
doing  Thee  service,  that  I  may  redeem  the  time 
past,  and  by  Thy  grace  may  grow  rich  in  good 
works,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord  ;  that,  when  Thou  shall  demand  my  soul 
to  be  rendered  up  into  Thine  hands,  my  soul  may 
not  be  abhorred  of  Thee,  nor  suffer  Thy  terrors, 
but  may  feel  an  eternity  of  blessings  in  the  re- 
surrection of  the  just,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


8.  PsAL3i  XC. — A  Meditation  on  Deaths  and  a 
Prayer  i)re]^aratory  to  it. 

O  Eternal  God,  whose  being  was  before  the 
mountains  were  brought  forth,  before  the  earth 
and  the  world  were  made,  even  from  everlasting 
and  world  without  end  : — Have  mercy  upon  me. 
Remove  my  misdeeds  from  before  Thee,  and  my 
secret  sins  from  the  sight  of  Thy  countenance. 
Be  not  angry  with  me,  neither  consume  me  in 
Thy  displeasure.  Teach  me  to  number  all  the 
days  of  my  life,  and  to  reckon  on  still  to  the  day 
of  death  :  that,  when  our  days  are  gone  and  our 
years  are  brought  to  an  end  like  a  tale  that  is 
1# 


186  PSALMS    SUITABLE 

told,  Thou  mayest  turn  unto  me  at  the  last  and 
be  gracious  unto  me  in  the  pardon  of  my  sins, 
in  restraining  the  power  and  malice  of  all  my 
spiritual  enemies,  in  giving  me  opportunity  of 
aJl  spiritual  assistances  and  advantages  ;  that, 
my  lamp  being  trimmed  and  burning  bright  with 
charity  and  devotion,  I  may  enter  into  the  bride- 
chamber,  there  for  ever  to  behold  the  glorious 
majesty  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


9.  Psalm  CXXX. — A  Penitential  Psalm,  or 
Prayer  for  Pardon  and  for  Redemption  frojn 
Sins. 

O  Lord  God,  blessed  Jesu,  with  whom  is 
mercy  and  plenteous  redemption,  who  didst 
redeem  Thy  people  from  all  their  sins,  paying 
the  ransom  of  thine  own  blood  to  purchase  us 
freedom  and  salvation  : — Let  the  height  of 
Thy  mercy  take  me  up  from  the  deep  abyss  of 
sin  and  misery.  O  be  not  extreme  to  mark 
what  I  have  done  amiss  :  for  it  is  impossible  that 
I  should  abide  the  extremity  of  thy  severest 
judgments.  And  as  Thy  mercy  pardons  what  is 
past,  so  let  the  sweetness  of  it  beget  Thy  fear  in 
my  heart,  that  I  may  not  dare  to  offend  so 
gracious,  so  merciful  a  God  ;  but  that,  trusting 
in  Thy  word,  and  fleeing  to  Thee  for  succor,  I 
may  wait  for  Thee  till  my  change  cometh,  look- 
injr  for  Thee  in  holiness  and  ricrhteousness  all 
my  days  :  grant  this  for  Thy  mercies'  and  com- 


FOR   MEDITATION.  187 

passion's  sake,  O  blessed  Jesu,  our  only  Saviour 
and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


10.  Psalm  CXLIII. — A  Prayer  for  Pardon  of 
Sin  and  Direction  in  the  TVa?/  of  Righteous- 
ness. 

O  Lord,  our  Judge  and  our  Redeemer,  hearken 
unto  me  for  Thy  truth  and  righteousness'  sake. 
Deliver  me  from  the  guilt  of  all  my  sins,  and 
those  great  punishments  which  are  due  to  me  for 
the  same.  Enter  not  into  judgment  with  me,  for 
in  Thy  sight  no  man  can  be  justified  by  any 
worthiness  of  his  own.  Endue  my  soul  with  the 
righteousness  of  a  holy  faith,  living  and  working 
by  charity.  Show  me  the  way  that  I  should  walk 
in  ;  teach  me  to  do  whatsoever  pleaseth  Thee  ; 
quicken  my  soul  in  the  path  of  life  ;  and  so  con- 
tinue to  me  the  guidance  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
it  may  never  leave  me,  until  I  be  brought  forth 
of  this  world  into  the  land  of  righteousness,  to 
dwell  with  Thee  eternally,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


References  to  other  Psalms,  which  may  he  read 
in  Time  of  Sickness,  or  any  other  Trouble  and 
Affliction. 

Psalms  iv.  v.  xi,  xxviii.  xli.   Iv.   lix.   Ixiv.   Ixx. 
cix.  cxx.  cxl.  cxli-cxlii. 


188  PRAYERS    WHICH    MAY    BE 


SECTION  IV. 

PRAYERS    WHICH     MAY    BK     OFFERED    BY    OTHERS    IN 
BEHALF    OF    THE    SICK. 

1.  A  Prayer  for  Comfort  to  the  Sick. 

O  Lord  God,  who  both  in  sickness  and  in  health 
hast  appointed  us  to  pray  one  for  another,  pro- 
mising a  blessing  in  the  greatest  extremities  ; — 
We  poor  sinners  do  present  ourselves  before  Thy 
Divine  Majesty  in  behalf  of  this  Thy  poor  servant, 
that  now  lieth  visited  under  Thy  hand. 

Seal  in  his  [or  her]  heart,  we  beseech  Thee,  O 
good  Lord,  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  the  forgiveness 
of  all  sins  ;  that  his  body  and  soul  may  be  pre- 
sented pure  and  undefiled  unto  Thee,  through  the 
Blood  of  Thy  Son. 

Lord,  lay  not  to  his  charge  what  he  hath  said 
or  done  amiss ;  and  lay  no  more  upon  him  than 
he  shall  be  able  to  bear.  Speak  comfortably  to 
his  soul,  and  lead  him  by  Thy  Spirit  unto  the 
treasures  of  Thy  mercy.  Take  from  hiin  the  fear 
and  sorrow  of  death,  and  give  him  strength  against 
all  the  assaults  of  Satan,  that  he  may  have  a  per- 
fect victory.  Increase  his  faith  more  and  more, 
that  he  may  have  true  repentance,  and  yield  unto 
Thee  true  obedience  and  hearty  thanks,  for  what- 
soever Thou  shalt  do  unto  him.  O  Lord,  give 
unto  him  a  taste  of  Thy  glory,  and  of  those  joys 
which  thou  hast  prepared  for  him  ;  that  in  the 
comfort  thereof  Zte  may  fight  a  good  fight,  keeping 
the  faith.     Comfort  him  at  the  hour  of  his  de- 


OFFERED    FOR   THE    8ICK.  189 

parture.  When  Thou  shalt  call,  open  to  liim  the 
gate  of  mercy.  Open  Thine  arms  to  receive  liim 
into  thy  favor ;  that,  when  the  time  is  come,  he 
may  go  to  the  grave  in  peace,  being  upholden 
by  Thee,  in  the  assurance  of  a  free  pardon  for  all 
his  sins,  and  the  hope  of  a  joyful  resurrection. 
And  in  the  mean  time,  O  Lord,  settle  his  spirits, 
that  they  may  not  wander  or  fly  out  into  any  un- 
ruly motions.  Continue  his  memory,  that /«e  may 
not  forget  Thee,  but  daily  and  hourly  have  Thee 
in  mind,  who  art  the  anchor  of  his  safety.  Keep 
his  tongue  from  all  vain  and  idle  talk,  his  heart 
from  all  fears,  and  protect  him  safely  under  Thy 
wing.  Be  merciful  unto  us,  who,  as  feeling  mem- 
bers of  one  body,  adore  Thy  holy  name,  and 
implore  Thy  divine  help  for  this  Thy  servant ; 
and  let  this  example  teach  us  more  humility,  fear, 
and  reverence,  tov/ards  Thee.  Hear  our  prayers, 
O  Lord,  for  Thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 


2.  A  Prayer  that  the  Sickness  may  he  made  a 
Blessim 


'to  ' 


O  Almighty  and  most  Gracious  Father,  who 
art  the  Fountain  of  life  and  health  and  pardon  ; 
hear  the  prayers  of  Thy  servants  in  behalf  of  our 
Brother,  of  the  miserable  for  the  afflicted,  of  sin- 
ners for  him  whom  Thou  has  smitten.  Lord, 
lay  no  more  upon  him  than  Thou  shalt  enable  him 
to  bear,  but  give  him  patience  ;  and  do  Thou  Thy- 
self open  a  door  for  his  escape,  even  by  a  holy 


190  PRAYERS    WHICH    MAY    BE 

and  a  reformed  life,  and  a  speedy  recovery,  or 
else  by  a  blessed  death,  as  Thou  in  Thine  infinite 
loving-kindness  shalt  choose,  for  Thy  glory  and 
his  eternal  interest.  Remember  not,  O  liOrd,  the 
weakness  of  his  youth,  the  surprises  of  his  life, 
and  the  crimes  of  his  choice  ;  but  give  unto  Thy 
servant  a  sincere  repentance,  and  the  pardon  of 
all  his  sins. 

O  blessed  Jesus,  who  hast  overcome  all  the 
powers  of  sin,  hell,  and  the  grave,  take  from  Thy 
servant  all  inordinate  fear  of  death  ;  give  him  a 
perfect  resignation  of  his  will  and  conformity  to 
Thine.  Restrain  the  power  of  the  enemy,  that 
he  may  not  prevail  against  the  soul  which  Thou 
hast  redeemed.  If  it  be  Thy  will,  give  him  a 
speedy  restitution  oHiis  health,  and  a  holy  use  of 
the  affliction  :  or,  if  Thou  hast  otherwise  decreed, 
preserve  him  in  Thy  fear  and  favor,  and  receive  his 
soul  to  mercy,  to  pardon,  and  eternal  life,  through 
Thy  mercies  and  for  thy  compassion's  sake,  O 
blessed  Saviour  and  Redeemer  Jesus.     Amen. 


3.  A  Prayer  for  a  Person  under  a  deep 
31elancholy . 

O  most  gracious  Lord,Thou  knowest  our  frame, 
and  art  full  of  compassion  to  Thy  servants  under 
their  trouble  and  oppression  : — Look  down  upon 
us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  with  Thy  wonted 
pity,  and  remember  the  work  of  Thy  hands,  our 
disconsolate  brother.  Thy  wrath  lies  hard  upon 
him ;  and  all  thy  waves  are  gone  over  him ;  Thy 


OFFERED    FOR    THE    SICK.  191 

terrors  oppress  7«*5  mind,  and  disturb  Ids  reason.  O 
Thou  that  speakest  the  winds  and  waves  into  obe- 
dience and  cahnness,  settle  and  quiet  his  discom- 
posed thoughts ;  speak  peace  to  Jiis  troubled  mind, 
and  give  hiin  comfort  and  sure  confidence  in  the 
sense  of  Thy  pardon  and  love.  Lord !  help  his 
unbelief,  and  increase  his  faith.  Though  he  walk  in 
the  valley  and  shadow  of  death,  let  Thy  rod  and 
Thy  staff  support  and  protect  hi77i.  In  the  multi- 
tude of  the  thoughts  and  sorrows  that  he  hath  in  his 
heart,  let  Thy  comfort  refresh  his  soul.  Let  in 
a  beam  of  Thy  heavenly  light,  to  dispel  the  clouds 
and  darkness  in  which  his  mind  is  involved.  O 
direct  to  the  means  most  proper  for  his  help  :  and 
so  bless  and  prosper  them,  that  they  may  effect- 
ually promote  his  recovery  out  of  this  deplorable 
state.  Incline  his  ears  to  wholesome  counsels, 
and  dispose  his  heart  to  receive  due  impressions. 
O  Gracious  Father,  pity  his  frailty,  forgive  his  sin, 
and  rebuke  his  distemper,  that  Ais  disquieted  soul 
may  return  to  its  rest.  O  raise  him  up  and  show 
Thy  mercy  upon  hi?n,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  blessed  Saviour  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


4.  A  Prayer  for  a  Sick  Child. 

O  Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death  :  Look 
down  from  heaven,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
with  the  eyes  of  mercy,  upon  this  child  now  lying 
upon  the  bed  of  sickness.  Visit  him,  O  Lord, 
with   Thy  Salvation  ;  deliver  him  in   Thy  good 


192  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

appointed  time  from  his  bodily  pain,  and  save  his 
soul  for  thy  mercies'  sake  :  That,  if  it  shall  be 
Thy  pleasure  to  prolong  his  days  here  on  earth, 
he  miay  live  to  Thee,  and  be  an  instrument  of  Thy 
glory,  by  serving  Thee  faithfully,  and  doing  good 
in  his  generation  :  or,  else  receive  him  into  those 
heavenly  habitations,  where  the  souls  of  them  that 
sleep  in  the  Lord  Jesus  enjoy  perpetual  rest  and 
felicity.  Grant  this,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  mercies' 
sake,  in  the  same  Thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 


5.  A  Prayer  for   a  Sick  Child  in  imminent 
Danger. 

O  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
our  only  help  in  time  of  need  ;  we  fly  unto  Thee 
for  succor  in  behalf  of  this  child  here  lying 
under  Thy  hand  in  great  weakness  of  body. 
Look  graciously  upon  it,  O  Lord  :  ease  it,  we 
beseech  Thee,  of  its  pains,  and  pity  it  in  its 
extremity.  We  know,  O  Lord,  that  if  Tiiou  wilt, 
Thou  canst  raise  it  up,  and  grant  it  a  longer  con- 
tinuance among  us.  O  raise  it  up  again  (if  it  may 
please  Thee)  to  grow  in  years  and  stature,  in 
wisdom  and  Thy  fear,  and  thereby  to  comfort  its 
parents  and  to  glorify  Thee. 

We  believe,  O  God,  that  Thou  knowest  best 
what  is  fit  for  it  and  for  us,  and  that  Thou  wilt  do 
what  is  best  for  both  :  and  therefore  we  humbly 
resign  its  life  to  Thee,  beseeching  Thee  to  have 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  193 

mercy  on  us.  But  whether  it  live  or  die,  let  it  be 
Thine  :  and  either  preserve  it  to  be  Thy  true  and 
faithful  servant  here  on  eartli,  or  take  it  to  the 
blessedness  of  Thy  children  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


SECTION  V. 

DEVOTIONS    FOR   THE    USE    OF    SICK    PERSONS 
THEMSELVES. 

1.    A  Prayer  at  the  Commencement  of  Sickness. 

O  merciful  and  righteous  Lord,  the  God  of 
health  and  sickness,  of  life  and  of  death,  I  most 
unfeignedly  acknowledge,  that  my  great  abuse  of 
those  many  days  of  strength  and  welfare,  which 
Thou  hast  afforded  me,  hath  most  justly  deserved 
Thy  present  visitation.  I  desire,  O  Lord,  humbly 
to  accept  of  this  punishment  of  mine  iniquity,  and 
to  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  I 
have  sinned  against  Him.  And,  O  thou  merciful 
Father,  who  designest  not  the  ruin,  but  the 
amendment  of  those  whom  Thou  scourgest,  I 
beseech  Thee,  by  Thy  grace,  so  to  sanctify  this 
correction  of  Thine  to  me,  that  this  sickness  of 
my  body  may  be  a  means  of  health  to  my  soul. 

Make  me  diligently  to  search  my  heart  ;  and 
do  Thou,  O  Lord,  enable  me  to  discover  every  ac- 
rJ7 


194  PRAYERS    FOR   THE   USE 

cursed  thing,  how  closely  soever  concealed  there. 
Heal  my  soul,  O  Lord,  which  hath  sinned  against 
Thee  ;  and  then,  if  it  be  Thy  blessed  will,  heal 
my  body  also  ;  restore  the  voice  of  joy  and  health 
unto  my  dwelling,  that  I  may  live  to  praise 
Thee,  and  to  bring  forth  fruits  of  repentance. 
But  if  in  Thy  wisdom  Thou  hast  otherwise  dis- 
posed, if  Thou  hast  determined  that  this  sickness 
shall  be  unto  death,  I  beseech  Thee  to  fit  and 
prepare  me  for  it.  Give  me  that  sincere  and 
earnest  repentance,  to  which  Thou  hast  pro- 
mised mercy  and  pardon  ;  wean  my  heart  from 
the  world,  and  all  its  fading  vanities,  and  make 
me  to  gasp  and  pant  after  those  more  excellent 
and  durable  joys  which  are  at  Thy  right  hand 
for  ever.  Lord,  lift  Thou  up  the  light  of  Thy 
countenance  upon  me  ;  and,  in  all  the  pains  of 
my  body,  in  all  the  agonies  of  my  spirit,  lot  Thy 
comforts  refresh  my  soul,  and  enable  me  patiently 
to  wait  till  my  change  come.  And  grant,  O 
Lord,  that  when  my  earthly  house  of  this  taber- 
nacle is  dissolved,  I  may  have  a  building  of  God, 
a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens ;  and  that  for  his  sake,  who  by  his 
precious  blood  hath  purchased  it  for  me,  even 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


2.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  who  in  Thy  wisdom 
knowest  what  is  best  for  me,  if  it  seem  good  in 
Tljy   sight,   remove  this  distemper  from  me,  so 


OF    SICK    PERSONS. 


195 


that  I  may  employ  my  health  to  Thy  glory,  and 
praise  Tiiy  name.  But  if  Thou  art  pleased  that 
it  sliould  greatly  increase,  I  willingly  submit  to 
Thy  afflicting  hand ;  for  Thou  art  wont  to  chas- 
tise those  whom  Thou  dost  love ;  and  I  am  sure 
Thou  wilt  lay  no  more  on  me  than  Thou  wilt 
enable  me  to  bear. 

I  know,  O  my  God  !  that  Thou  sendest  this 
sickness  on  me  for  my  good,  even  to  humble  and 
to  prove  uiG  ;  O  grant  it  may  work  that  saving 
effect  in  me. 

Lord,  create  in  me  a  true  penitent  sorrow  for 
all  my  sins  past,  a  steadfast  faith  in  Thee,  and 
sincere  resolutions  of  amendment  for  the  time  to 
come. 

Deliver  me  from  all  frowardness  and  impa- 
tience, and  give  me  an  entire  resignation  to  Thy 
divine  will:  O  suffer  not  the  disease  to  take  away 
my  senses,  and  do  Thou  continually  supply  me 
with  devout  and  holy  thoughts.  Lord,  bless  all 
the  means  that  are  used  for  my  recovery,  and 
restore  me  to  my  health  ;  but  if  otherwise  Thou 
hast  appointed  for  me,  Thy  blessed  will  be  done. 
O  wean  my  affection  from  all  things  below,  and 
fill  me  with  ardent  desires  after  heaven  :  Lord,  fit 
me  for  Thyself,  and  at  Thine  own  good  time 
bring  me  to  joys  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 
Grant  this,  for  the  sake  of  Thy  only  Son  Jesus, 
my  Saviour.     Amen. 


196  PRAYERS    FOR    THE     USE 

3.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

Almighty  God  and  merciful  Father  !  Thou  art 
the  Author  of  my  being  ;  and  as  my  life,  my 
health,  and  strength  are  from  Thee,  so  they  are 
and  ought  to  be  wholly  at  Thy  disposal.  I 
humbly  confess,  that  because  of  my  sins  it  is  just 
with  Thee  to  afflict  me  with  sickness  and  pain  ; 
yea,  to  cut  me  off  from  the  land  of  the  living.  I 
acknowledge,  O  Lord  !  my  sins  are  many  and 
great;  the  faculties  of  my  soul  and  members  of 
my  body  have  been  made  the  instruments  of  sin  ; 
I  have  not  been  thankful  for,  nor  made  a  right 
use  of,  the  manifold  blessings  of  health  and 
strength,  of  time  and  opportunities  of  doing  and 
receiving  good,  which  Thou  hast  vouchsafed  unto 
me  :  I  do  therefore  acknowledge  the  justice  of 
Thy  dealings,  and  that  the  greatest  afflictions  I 
do  or  can  suffer  here  are  infinitely  less  than  my 
sins  deserve. 

But,  O  thou  Father  of  mercies  !  who  delightest 
not  in  the  death  of  a  sinner,  be  favorable  unto 
me,  enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy  servant ; 
and  though  for  my  sins  Thou  art  justly  displeased, 
yet,  O  Lord  God  most  holy  !  O  Lord  most 
mighty!  O  holy  and  merciful  Saviour!  deliver 
me  not  into  the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death. 

I  know,  O  Lord  !  that  afflictions  rise  not  out 
of  the  dust,  but  are  of  Thy  sending;  but  such  is 
Thy  mercy,  that  Thou  dost  not  willingly  afflict 
nor  grieve  the  children  of  men  ;  Thou  designest 
not  the  ruin,  but  the  amendment,  of  those  whom 
Thou  scourgest.  I  beseech  Thee,  by  Thy  grace, 
so  to  sanctify  this  correction  of  Thine  unto  me, 
that  the  sickness  of  my  body  may  be  a  means  of 


OP   SICK    PERSONS.  I9'i 

health  to  my  soul ;  make  me  diligent  to  search  my 
heart,  and  to  find  out  the  accursed  thing  that  has 
brought  this  affliction  upon  me  ;  and  make  me 
sensible  of  my  manifold  provocations,  and  so 
sincerely  to  lament,  abhor,  and  forsake  them,  that 
this  correction  may  appear  to  be  the  effect  of 
Thy  love  and  pity. 

Remoiiiber,  O  Lord  !  the  sufferings  of  Thy 
Sc.'i,  who  himself  bore  the  afflictions  and  the 
punishment  due  to  our  sins  :  I  believe  in  him  as 
my  only  Saviour ;  my  trust  is  in  his  merits ;  and 
I  humbly  beg,  for  his  sake,  that  Thou  wouldest  be 
reconciled  unto  me.  Heal  my  soul,  O  Lord  ! 
which  hath  sinned  against  Thee  ;  and  then,  if  it 
be  Thy  blessed  will,  heal  my  body  also,  and 
restore  me  again  to  a  state  of  health  and  strength, 
that  I  may  still  live  to  praise  Thee,  and  bring 
forth  the  fruit  of  repentance. 

But  if  in  Thy  wisdom  Thou  hast  determined 
that  this  sickness  shall  be  unto  death,  I  beseech 
Thee  to  fit  and  prepare  me  for  it;  give  me  that 
sincere  and  hearty  repentance,  to  which  Thou 
hast  promised  mercy  and  pardon  ;  wean  my  heart 
from  the  world  and  all  its  seducing  vanities,  and 
make  me  long  for  those  joys  which  are  at  Thy 
right  hand  for  ever.  Lord,  take  away  the  sting  of 
death,  the  guilt  of  my  sins  ;  and  then,  though  I 
walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil :  I  will  lay  me  down  in  peace  ; 
and  when  I  wake  up,  let  me  be  satisfied  with  Thy 
presence  in  Thy  glory.  Grant  this,  O  merciful 
God !  for  his  sake,  who  is  both  the  Redeemer 
and  Mediator  of  sinners,  even  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

17* 


19S  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

4.  A  Prayer  for  a  Blessing  on  the  Use  of  Medicine. 

O  Almighty  God  and  Merciful  Father,  to 
whom  alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  an<l  death, 
I  come  unto  Thee  as  the  only  physician  who 
canst  cure  my  soul  from  sin  and  my  body  from 
sickness.  And  since  thou  hast  appointed  out- 
ward means  for  the  curing  of  sickness  and  the 
restoring  of  health,  I  beseech  Thee,  of  Thine 
infinite  goodness  and  mercy,  to  sanctify  ihLs 
medicine  to  my  use  :  and  to  give  such  a  blessing 
to  it,  that  it  may  (if  it  be  Thy  will  and  pleasure) 
remove  my  sickness  and  pain,  and  restore  me  to 
health  and  strength  a^ain. 

But,  if  Thou  hast  sent  this  sickness,  as  Thy 
messenger,  to  call  me  out  of  this  world.  Thy 
blessed  will  be  done.  O  make  me  meet  to  be  a 
partaker  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light ; 
and  whensoever  my  soul  shall  depart  from  the 
body,  grant  that  it  may  without  spot  be  pre- 
sented unto  Thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


5.  Ejaculations  from  the  Scriptures ,  and  Prayer 
for  Patience  in  a  lingering  Illness. 

Why  art  thou  so  heary,  O  my  soul,  why  art 
thou  so  disquieted  within  me  ? 

Still  put  thy  trust  in  God,  for  I  will  yet  give 
him  thanks,  who  is  the  help  of  my  countenance, 
and  my  God.     (Psal.  xiiii.  5,  6.) 

The  Lord  hath  chastened  and  corrected  me. 


OP    SICK    PERSONS.  199 

but  he  hath  not  given  me  over  unto  destruction. 
(Psal.  xviii.  18.) 

I  know,  O  Lord,  that  Thy  judgments  are 
right ;  and  that  Thou  of  very  faithfulness  hast 
caused  me  to  be  troubled.     (Psalm  cxix.  75.) 

It  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  I  was  not  long 
ago  consumed  :  because  his  compassions  fail  not. 
The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul  :  there- 
fore \.  ill  I  hope  in  him. 

It  is  good  for  a  man  that  he  should  constantly 
hope,  and  quietly  wait  the  salvation  of  the  Lord  : 
for  the  Lord  will  not  cast  off  for  ever.  But 
though  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  com- 
passion, according  to  the  multitude  of  his 
mercies.  Yea,  like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  own 
children,  even  so  is  the  Lord  merciful  unto  them 
that  fear  him.  (Lara.  iii.  22.  24.  2G.  31,  32. 
Psalm  ciii.  13.) 

In  the  multitude  of  the  sorrows  which  I  have 
in  my  heart,  Thy  comforts  have  refreshed  my 
soul.     (Psalm  xciv.  19.) 

For  I  know  that  with  Thee  there  is  mercy,  and 
with  my  God  is  plenteous  redemption.  (Psal. 
cxxx.  7.) 

O  remember  not  m.y  old  sins,  but  have  mercy 
upon  me,  and  that  .«:oon,  for  I  am  come  to  great 
misery.     (Psalm  Ixxix.  8.) 

Heal  my  soul,  which  hath  sinned  against  Thee, 
and  then  let  the  Lord  do  what  seemeth  him 
good.     (Psal  xli.  4.     1  ISam.  iii.  18.) 


O  God,  whose  infinite  Wisdom  and  overruling 


200  PRAYERS    FOR   THE    USE 

Providence  disposeth  of  all  events,  be  pleased 
to  look  upon  me  Thine  unworthy  servant,  afflicted 
with  continual  pains  and  miseries  ;  and  graciously 
be  pleased  to  support  and  comfort  me  under  the 
chastisements  of  Thy  heavy  hand.  Mine  age,  O 
God,  is  departed,  and  removed  from  me  as  a 
shepherd's  tent,  and  Thou  hast  cut  me  off  with 
lingering  sickness.  O  go  not  far  from  me,  now 
that  trouble  is  hard  at  hand,  and  forsake  me  not 
when  my  strength  faileth  me.  My  soul  cleaveth 
to  the  dust ;  O  do  thou  quicken  me  according  to 
Thy  word,  and  strengthen  my  body  with  patience. 
Let  not  the  tediousness  of  my  sickness  interrupt 
the  serenity  of  my  mind :  but  let  the  terror  of 
every  pain  make  me  nauseate  my  sin,  and  arm 
me  against  the  torments  of  eternity.  Be  pleased, 
O  gracious  Lord,  so  to  temper  Thy  judgments 
and  mercies  together,  that  my  nature  may  be 
able  to  conquer  the  infirmities  of  my  flesh  ;  and 
my  soul  being  purified  from  her  dross  may  be 
saved  in  the  day  of  visitation,  through  the  merits 
of  our  only  Redeemer  and  Advocate,  Jesus 
Christ.      Amen. 


6.  A  Prayer  for  Ease,  tvJien  the  Sickness  becomes 
very  painful. 

Lord,  look  upon  mine  adversity  and  misery, 
which  call  aloud  to  Thee  for  ease :  O  most 
gracious  God,  my  pains  are  extreme  ;  have  pity 
on  me,  and  lighten  them.     In  thine  anger,  re- 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  201 

member  mercy,  and  consider  my  feebleness  and 
frailty.  I  have  waited  for  thy  relief,  O  Father  ; 
give  me  the  comforts  of  it.  O  show  me  Thy 
mercy,  and  that  soon,  for  my  need  thereof  is 
great ;  send  me  seasonable  help  and  strength  at 
present,  and  everlasting  rest  with  Thee  in  the 
end,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


7.   On  the  Ahatemevt  of  Pain. 

B'osi5ed  be  Thy  mercy,  O  my  God,  which 
pitieth  me  in  ray  misery.  As  a  father  pitieth  his 
chihh-en  in  the  extremity  of  their  pain,  so  hast 
Thou  pitied  me.  Lord,  my  soul  shall  love  Thee, 
and  sing  of  Thy  mercy;  and,  in  my  distress,  I 
will  always  trust  in  Thee,  and  not  be  afraid,  for 
Thou  art  our  strength,  whilst  we  suffer  ;  and  our 
merciful  Deliverer  when  we  can  endure  no  more. 
To  Thee  be  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


8.   On  Want  of  Sleep. 

O  righteous  Lord,  Thou  boldest  mine  eyes 
waking,  and  in  the  night-season  T  take  no  rest. 
I  .^oek  sleep  to  ease  my  pains,  and  to  recruit  mj 
spirits,  but  I  find  it  not ;  but,  O  merciful  God,  lef 
it  not  always  fly  away  from  me  ;  let  my  weariec 
eyes,  at  length,  lay  hold  of  it,  and  make  my  sleej 
sweet  unto  me.     Consider  my  weariness,  which 


202 


PRAYER    FOR    THE    USE 


calls  aloud  for  rest ;  and  my  weakness,  which 
greatly  needs  refreshment.  While  Thou  keepest 
me  awake,  let  me  commune  with  mine  own  heart, 
and  search  out  my  spirit ;  let  me  remember  Thee 
on  my  bed,  and  meditate  on  Thee  in  the  night- 
watches  ;  let  the  consideration  of  Thy  tender 
mercies  be  my  comfort,  till  Thy  goodness  sees  fit 
to  give  sleep  to  my  eyes,  and  refreshment  to  my 
sorrows,  through  my  dearest  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


9.     An  Act  of  Resignation. 

O  Eternal  God,  Thou  hast  made  me  and  sus- 
tained me.  Thou  hast  blessed  me  all  the  days 
of  my  life,  and  under  great  variety  of  accidents 
Thou  hast  cared  for  me  :  nothing  happens  to  me 
in  vain  :  nothing  without  Thy  Providence ;  and  I 
know  Thou  smitest  Thy  servants  in  mercy ;  and 
therefore  unto  Thee  I  commit  myself,  my  soul 
and  body,  and  every  other  thing  Thou  givest  me 
leave  to  call  my  own.  Keep  me  safe  by  Thy 
grace,  and  then  use  what  instrument  Thy  wisdom 
shall  think  most  proper  to  bring  me  unto  Thee. 
Lord,  I  am  not  solicitous  of  the  way  that  may 
lead  me  unto  Thyself  Only,  remember  mine 
infirmity,  and  let  Thy  servant  rejoice  in  Thee 
always,  feel,  confess,  and  glory  in  Thy  good- 
ness. Be  Thou  equally  my  delight  in  my  sick- 
ness, as  formerly  in  the  dangers  of  my  prosperity. 
Let  me  not  refuse  a  pardon  tendered  in  a  severe 
discipline  ;  but  readily  comply  with  Thy  gracious 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  203 

purposes,  cover  mine  eyes,  and  wait  in  silence 
for  the  time  of  my  redemption,  through  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


10.  A  Prayer  for  Than! fulness  under  SUhicss, 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  though  I  am 
encompassed  with  sorrow  and  weakness,  yet  have 
I  no  cause  at  all  to  complain  of  Thee  ;  nor  will  I,hy 
Thy  grace,  overlook  or  despise  the  mercies  Thy 
goodness  still  vouchsafes  me,  because  others  are 
taken  away  :  I  heartily  thank  Thee,  that  I  was  per- 
mitted to  have  them  at  all,  undeserving  as  I  am  ; 
that  I  enjoyed  them  so  long,  and  lost  them  no 
sooner.  Lord,  my  spirit  is  willing,  but  my  flesh 
is  weak  :  be  Thy  Spirit  the  support  of  my  weak- 
ness, and  the  finisher  of  my  willingness  ;  and  let 
the  sense  of  Thy  love,  and  the  hopes  of  what  Thou 
hast  promised,  drown  the  sense  of  my  sorrows,  and 
fill  my  heart  with  praise  and  thanksgiving.  Blessed 
be  Thy  name,  O  Lord,  for  not  afflicting  me  as  I 
have  deserved,  but  in  order  to  my  good  ;  for  the 
favorable  intervals  I  experience ;  that  my  griefs 
are  not  beyond  measure,  nor  my  sufferings  with- 
out comfort.  I  bless  Thee  for  the  mercy  of  this 
indisposition  ;  for  putting  an  end  to  my  wander- 
ings by  Thy  judgments,  when  Thy  long-suffering 
had  not  its  due  effect  upon  me,  and  putting  me 
in  the  way  of  pardon  by  Thy  fatherly  visitation. 
Glory  be  unto  Thee,  who  by  these  bodily  pains 
hast  given  my  spirit  rest  from  the  wearisome  im-' 
portunity  of  sin,  [name  particulars]  and  teachost 


204  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

me  to  place  my  affections  and  my  confidence  in 
Thee  alone.  I  praise  and  magnify  Tliy  holy 
name  for  all  the  numberless  blessings  1  have 
received  from  Thee,  bountifully  and  seasonably, 
in  all  states  and  conditions  of  my  life,  and  through 
all  the  days  and  years  of  it ;  and  particularly  in 
that  Thou  hast  now  of  very  faithfulness  caused 
me  to  be  afflicted,  and  by  the  present  want  of 
Thy  blessings  hast  taught  me  the  better  how  to 
prize  and  value  them  ;  and  blessed  be  Thou  who 
hast  taken  away  what  Thy  goodness  once  afford- 
ed :  and  blessed  be  Thy  name  for  what  Thou 
still  hast  left  me  :  a  heart  inclined  to  serve  and 
praise  Thee  and  to  remember  Thy  goodness  ;  a 
heart  able  to  alleviate  its  misery  with  the  sense 
of  Thy  paternal  affection,  and  the  comfortable 
hopes  of  bearing  my  sickness  in  such  a  manner, 
as  shall  be  well  pleasing  in  thy  sight,  through  the 
merits  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


11.  ^  Prayer  to  he  used  wlien  there  is  any  Abate- 
ment of  the  Disorder,  or  Prospect  of  Recovery. 

O  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort, 
who  hast  vouchsafed  to  grant  me  some  ease,  and 
to  abate  the  fury  of  my  present  distemper, 
accept,  I  humbly  pray  Thee,  of  my  unfeigned 
thanks  for  this,  and  all  other  Thy  mercies  be- 
stowed upon  me. 

Blessed  be  Thy  goodness,  O  Lord,  that  I 
have  strength  to   praise  Thee ;  that  my  senses 


OP    SICK    PERSONS.  205 

and  understanding  are  preserved  entire;  and 
though  I  am  brought  very  low,  I  am  not  without 
hopes  that  Thou  wilt  yet  raise  me  up.  O  perfect, 
if  it  be  Thy  blessed  will,  what  Thou  hast  begun 
in  me  ;  and  forsake  not,  I  beseech  Thee,  the  work 
of  Thine  own  hands.  Repair  all  the  decays  in 
my  outward  man,  and  let  my  mind  also  be  en- 
dued with  greater  strength  and  abilities  to  do 
Thee  service,  and  with  stronger  desires  and  re- 
solutions of  loving  and  obeying  Thee. 

Visit  me,  O  Lord,  with  thy  heavenly  con- 
solations; fill  me  with  comfortable  thoughts  of 
Thy  love,  and  of  that  tender  compassionate  care 
which  our  Lord  Jesus  takes  of  all  His  afflicted 
servants.  Give  me  still  a  more  perfect  submis- 
sion to  Thy  will,  that  without  any  murmuring  or 
repining,  I  may  wait  upon  Thee,  till  Thou  seest 
fit  to  finish  my  recovery :  and  as  my  strength 
increases,  so  let  my  resolutions  grow  stronger 
of  serving  Thee  faithfully  all  the  remainder  of 
my  life  ;  for  which  end,  I  implore  the  assistance 
of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  through  Jesus  Christ  ;  to 
whom,  with  Thee,  O  Father,  and  the  ever  blessed 
Spirit,  be  all  honor,  glory,  love,  service,  and 
obedience,  by  me,  and  all  Thy  creatures,  for 
evermore.     Amen. 


12.  A  Prayer  for  a  Sick  Person  who  is  tempted 
to  despair. 

O  Father  of  mercies,    and   God   of  all   cor- 
rection,   be   merciful  to   me    a    sinner.     Lord. 
18 


206  PRAYERS    FOR   THE    USE 

remember  all  Thy  gracious  calls  of  sinners  to 
repentance ;  all  Thy  protestations  that  Thou  de- 
lightest  not  in  the  death  of  Him  that  dieth,  and 
that  Thou  wouldest  have  all  to  be  saved. 

Remember,  O  Lord,  all  the  exceeding  great 
and  precious  promises,  which  Thou  hast  made 
to  penitent  sinners.  Lord,  remember  that  Thy 
mercy  is  over  all  Thy  works,  that  Thou  delightest 
in  mercy  ;  and  that  all  the  holy  angels,  seeing 
Thee  well  pleased  in  the  exercise  of  that  mercy, 
rejoice  at  the  conversion  of  a  sinner  ;  that,  the 
greater  my  sins  are,  the  more  will  that  mercy  be 
magnified  in  my  forgiveness.  Lord,  remember 
that  Thou  didst  so  love  the  world,  as  to  give  Thine 
only  beloved  Son  a  ransom  for  it. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  Thou  that  sparedst  not 
Thine  only  Son,  but  deliveredst  Him  up  for  us 
all,  wilt  Thou  not  also  with  Him  freely  give  us 
all  things  ?  And,  if  all  things,  wilt  Thou  not  also 
give  us  the  pardon  of  our  sins  ?  O  my  God,  I 
firmly  believe  Thou  wilt.  On  that  ransom,  my 
Saviour  hath  paid  for  me,  and  on  all  His  gracious 
promises  of  pardon,  which,  for  his  sake,  Thou 
hast  made  for  me,  I  wholly  rely.  Here  only  is 
the  sure  and  steadfast  anchor  of  my  soul,  to  which 
my  faith  and  hope  shall  ever  adhere.  All  this  do 
I  plead  to  implore  Thy  forgiveness. 

Behold,  Lord,  though  my  failings  are  many, 
yet  I  have  confessed,  and  bewailed,  and  forsaken 
my  transgressions.  Behold,  Lord,  I  come  at 
Thy  call  :  and  I  come  weary  and  lieavy-laden 
with  the  burthen  of  my  sins.  Be  it  unto  me 
according  to  Thy  word. 

O  Thou  that  art  faithful  and  just,  forgive   my 


OF    SICK    PERSONS. 


207 


sins,  and  cleanse  me  from  all  unrighteousness. 
Lord,  do  Thou  in  nowise  cast  me  from  Thee  : 
but  heal  my  backslid incrs,  and  love  me  freely. 
Ease  me  of  my  burthen,  that  1  may  find  rest  in 
Thee  :  and  say  unto  my  soul,  "  Be  of  good  cheer, 
thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee." 

O  Heavenly  Father  !  for  Thine  own  infinite 
mercies'  sake  :  for  Thy  truth  and  promise  sake  : 
for  all  the  merits  and  sufferings  of  the  Son  of 
Thy  love,  in  whom  Thou  art  always  well  pleased  ; 
pardon  all  my  sins,  and  receive  me  into  Thy 
favor.     Amen. 


SECTION    VI. 

DEVOTIO-NS    ly    THE    PROSPECT     OF     DISSOLUTION. 

1.  A  Psalm,  collected  from  the  Holy  Scriptures 
for  a  Person  near  Death. 

0  Lord  God  of  my  salvation,  I  have  cried 
day  and  night  before  Thee,  O  let  my  prayer 
enter  into  Thy  presence. 

For  my  soul  is  full  of  trouble,  and  my  life 
draweth  nigh  unto  hell.     (Psal.  Ixxxviii.  L  3.) 

1  am  weary  of  my  groaning;  every  night  wash 
I  my  bed  :  and  water  mv  couch  with  my  tears. 
(Psal.  vi.  6.) 

I  am  accounted  as  one  that  goeth  dow^n  to  the 
pit ;  I  have  been  as  a  man  that  hath  no  strength. 

Free  among  the  dead,  like  unto  them  that  be 
wounded,  and  that  lie  in  the  grave,  which  be  out 
of  remembrance,  and  cut  away  from  Thine  hand. 


208  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

Thine  indignation  lieth  hard  upon  me,  and 
Thou  hast  vexed  me  with  all  Thy  storms.  (Psal. 
Ixxxviii.  4,  5,  7.) 

I  am  poured  out  like  water,  and  all  my  bones  are 
out  of  joint ;  my  heart  also  in  the  midst  of  my 
bowels  is  like  melted  wax. 

My  strength  is  dried  up  like  a  potsherd,  and 
my  tongue  cleaveth  to  my  gums,  and  Thou  shalt 
bring  me  into  the  dust  of  the  earth.  (Psal.  xxii. 
14,  15.) 

The  sorrows  of  death  compass  me,  and  the 
overflowings  of  ungodliness  make  me  afraid. 

The  pains  of  hell  come  about  me  :  the  snares 
of  death  overtake  me.     (Psal.  xviii.  4,  5.) 

Thine  arrows  stick  fast  in  me,  and  Thy  hand 
presseth  me  sore. 

There  is  no  health  in  my  flesh,  because  of 
Thy  displeasure  ;  neither  any  rest  in  my  bones, 
by  reason  of  my  sin. 

For  my  wickednesses  are  gone  over  my  head, 
and  are  like  a  sore  burden  too  heavy  for  me  to 
bear.     (Psal.  Ixxxviii.  2 — 4.) 

If  Thou,  Lord,  wilt  be  extreme  to  mark  what 
is  done  amiss,  O  Lord,  who  may  abide  it  ? 

Out  of  the  deep  have  I  called  unto  Thee,  O 
Lord  ;  Lord,  hear  my  voice. 

0  let  Thine  ears  consider  well  the  voice  of  my 
complaint.     (Psal.  cxxx.  3.  1,  2.) 

Lord,  why  abhorrest  Thou  my  soul,  and  hidest 
Thy  face  from  me  ? 

1  am  in  misery,  and  like  to  him  that  is  at  the 
point  to  die  :  from  my  youth  up,  Thy  terrors 
have  I  suffered  with  a  troubled  mind. 

Thy  wrathful  displeasure  goeth  over  me,  and 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  209 

the  fear  of  Thee  hath  undone  me.  (Psal.  Ixxxviii. 
14— IG.) 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  after  Thy  great 
goodness :  according  to  tlie  multitude  of  Thy 
mercies,  do  away  mine  offences. 

Wash  me  throughly  from  my  wickedness,  and 
cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 

Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  presence,  and  take 
not  Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me. 

0  give  me  the  comfort  of  Thy  help  again,  and 
stablish  me  with  Thy  free  Spirit.  (Fsal.  li.  ],  2. 
11.  12.) 

1  am  always  with  Thee,  for  Thou  hast  holden 
me  up  by  Thy  right  hand. 

Thou  shalt  guide  me  by  Thy  counsel,  and 
after  that  receive  me  v/ith  glory. 

Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  Thee,  O  Lord  ? 
and  I  desire  none  upon  earth  in  comparison  of 
Thee.     (Psal.  Ixxiii.  23—25.) 

Return  to  thy  rest,  O  my  soul,  for  the  Lord 
hath  rewarded  thee.     (Psal.  cxvi.  7.) 

Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart  more  than 
theirs  whose  corn,  and  wine,  and  oil  increaseth. 

I  will  lay  me  down,  and  take  my  rest,  for  it  is 
Thou,  Lord,  only  that  makest  me  dwell  in  safety. 
(Psal.  iv.  8,  9.) 

I  will  behold  Thy  presence,  and  when  I  awake 
up  after  Thy  likeness,  I  will  be  satisfied  with  it. 
(Psal.  xvii.  1.5.) 

I  shall  be  satisfied  with  the  plenteousness  of 
Thine  house,  and  Thou  shalt  give  me  to  drink  of 
Thy  pleasures  as  of  the  rivers. 

For  with  Thee  is  the  well  of  life,  and  in  Thy 
light  shall  I  see  light.     (Psal.  xxxvi.  8,  9.) 
18* 


210 


PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 


Thou  shalt  show  me  the  path  of  life  :  in  Thy 
presence  is  fulness  of  joy  ;  and  at  Thy  right  hand 
there  is  pleasure  for  evermore.     (Psal.  xvi.  11.) 

Into  Thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit,  for 
Thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord,  thou  God  of 
truth.     (Psal.  xxxi.  5.) 


2.  A  Prayer  in  the   Language  of  Scripture^  in 
the  Prospect  of  Death. 

Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  let  my  cry 
come  unto  Thee.  Hide  not  Thy  face  from  me  : 
in  the  day  when  I  am  in  trouble,  incline  Thine 
ear  unto  me.  For  my  days  are  consumed  like 
smoke.  O  my  God,  take  me  not  in  the  midst  of 
my  days.  Hear  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give 
ear  unto  my  cry  :  hold  not  Thy  peace  at  my 
tears.  Let  not  the  water-flood  overflow  me, 
neither  let  the  deep  swallow  me  up  ;  and  let  not 
the  pit  shut  her  mouth  upon  me.  I  am  afflicted 
very  much  :  quicken  me,  O  Lord,  according  to 
Thy  word.  Uphold  me  according  to  Thy  word, 
that  I  may  live,  and  not  be  ashamed  of  my  hope. 
Let  my  soul  live,  and  it  shall  praise  Thee.  Hear 
my  voice  according  to  Thy  loving-kindness.  (Psal. 
cii.  1 — 3.24.:  xxxix.  13,  14.:  Ixix.  15.;  cxix. 
107.  116.  175.  149.) 

And  now.  Lord,  what  wait  I  fort  My  hope 
is  in  Thee.  My  heart  panteth ;  my  strength 
faileth  me  :  as  for  the  light  of  mine  eyes,  it  also 
is  gone  from  me.  Remember  not  the  sins  of  my 
youth,  nor  my  transgressions  :  according  to  Thy 


OP    SICK    PERSONS.  211 

mercy,  remember  Thou  me,  for  Thy  goodness 
sake,  O  Lord.  Though  I  walk  through  the 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil  ; 
for  Thou  art  with  me.  Thou,  Lord,  art  my 
light  and  my  salvation,  whom  shall  I  fear  ?  Thou, 
Lord,  art  the  strength  of  my  heart,  of  whom  shall 
I  be  afraid  ?  For,  I  know  that  my  Redeemer 
liveth,  and  that  He  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day 
upon  the  earth:  and  though,  after  my  skin, 
worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh  shall  I 
see  God  ;  whom  I  shall  see  for  myself,  and  mine 
eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  another.  Therefore, 
let  the  words  of  my  lips,  and  the  meditations 
of  my  heart,  be  acceptable  in  Thy  sight,  O 
Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer.  Amen. 
(Psal.  xxxix.  7. ;  xxxviii.  10.  ;  xxv.  7. :  xxiii.  4. ; 
xxvii.  1.     Job  xix.  25 — 27,     Psal.  xix.  14.) 


3.  A  Prayer  and  Confession  for  the  Sick,  ivho 
are  unprepared  for  Death. 

O  merciful  God,  reject  not  this  sad,  unworthy 
sinner,  who  in  pain  and  sorrow  fleeth  to  Thyself 
in  Jesus  Christ !  Though  I  have  trifled  away 
too  much  of  the  day  of  my  salvation,  and  sinfully 
neglected  Thy  Son  and  His  saving  grace,  O  say 
not  that  it  is  now  too  late :  for  Thy  promise 
through  Christ  is  large  and  free,  forgiving  all 
without  exception,  who  in  the  time  of  this  life 
are  penitent  believers.  Pity  my  misery,  and 
forgive  my  sin,  through  the  propitiation  which 
Thy   mercy  hath  provided   and  accepted.     Re- 


212  PRAYERS    FOR   THE    USE 

member  not  the  iniquities  of  my  youth,  nor  the 
sins  which  I  have  since  committed  against  Thy 
great  and  manifold  mercies,  the  motions  of  Tliy 
Spirit,  and  the  reproofs  of  my  own  conscience. 
I  have  sinned  foolishly  as  a  man,  but  do  Thou 
forgive  me  mercifully  as  a  gracious  God.  If  the 
sufferings  of  my  lissli  do  seem  so  grievous,  how 
should  I  bear  Thy  burning  wrath  for  ever  on  my 
soul  !  O  give  me  true  repentance  unto  life.  Let 
not  pain  and  fear  only  make  me  purpose  to 
amend,  but  let  Thy  Spirit  of  grace  renew  my 
soul,  by  the  powerful  sense  of  Thy  love  in  Christ. 
Let  this  be  the  fruit  of  my  affliction,  through 
His  grace,  to  purge  and  take  away  mv  sin,  and 
to  make  me  partaker  of  Thy  holiness.  And  have 
mercy  on  this  weak  and  pained  flesh.  O  spare 
me  a  little,  and  give  me  space  to  make  a  better 
preparation  for  my  change,  before  I  go  hence, 
and  am  seen  no  more  !  O  let  not  my  fearful  soul 
appear  before  Thee,  the  holy,  dreadful  God,  in 
an  unpardoned  or  unrenewed  state  !  R  enew  my 
time,  and  renew  my  soul,  that  I  may  live  to 
Thee,  before  I  die.  I  have  abused  Thy  long- 
suffering  :  I  have  forfeited  both  health,  and  life, 
and  hope  ;  I  have  foolishly  and  sinfully  lost  many 
an  hour  of  precious  time,  which  never  can  be 
called  back  !  I  foresaw  this  day,  and  was  oft 
forewarned  of  it  by  Thy  servants  and  by  my  con- 
science, but  I  took  not  warning,  and  now,  alas  ! 
how  unready  is  my  soul  to  appear  before  Thee  ! 
My  sins  affi-ight  me ;  Thy  justice  and  holiness 
aff'rightme;  eternity,  eternity,  doth  amaze  my 
soul.  I  have  no  assurance  to  escape  Thy  wrath 
and  everlasting  misery  !     I  have  not  so  set  my 


OP    SICK    PERSONS.  213 

heart  on  heaven,  nor  lived  in  a  heavenly  con- 
versation, as  to  desire  to  depart  that  I  may  be 
with  Christ,  and  to  come  with  boldness  and  com- 
fortable hope  before  the  Judge  of  all  the  world  ; 
forgive  my  sin  through  the  sacrifice  and  inter- 
cession of  my  Redeemer.  O  try  me  once  more 
with  opportunities  and  means  of  grace!  Return, 
O  Lord,  deliver  my  soul  !  O  save  me  for  Thy 
mercies'  sake.  Kill  me  not  till  my  sin  be  killed. 
End  not  this  life  till  Thou  hast  prepared  me  for 
a  better.  Though  it  be  a  life  of  vanity  and  vex- 
ation, it  is  all  the  space  that  ever  I  shall  have  to 
prepare  for  the  endless  life  which  followeth.  Cut 
not  off  my  time  till  I  am  ready  for  eternity.  Let 
me  not  die  in  my  sins,  nor  fall  into  the  hands 
of  Thy  revenging  justice.  I  condemn  myself; 
do  not  Thou  condemn  me.  If  Thou  wilt  renew 
my  days,  it  is  the  resolution  of  my  soul  to  hearken 
to  Thy  Spirit,  to  obey  my  Saviour,  to  study  Thy 
wondrous  love  in  Christ,  to  seek  the  things  that 
are  above  with  Him,  and  to  forsake  my  sin,  and 
live  to  Thee  ;  but  because  I  know  that  without 
Thy  grace  I  cannot  do  it,  O  give  me  yet  both 
time  and  grace !  Or,  if  Thou  wilt  try  me  no 
longer  here  on  earth,  now,  Lord,  before  my  soul 
departeth,  sanctify  it  by  Thy  Spirit,  and  wash  it 
in  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  shed  abroad 
Thy  love  upon  it,  and  give  me  such  a  sight  of 
the  heavenly  glory,  that  in  the  lively  exercise  of 
faith,  hope,  and  love,  my  soul  may  willingly  for- 
sake this  world,  and  come  to  Thee. 

Though  I  have  departed  from  Thee,  and  de- 
lighted not  to  know  Thee,  refuse  not  to  know 
me,  and  bid  me  not  depart  with  workers  of  in- 


214  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

iquity.  And  if  this  be  all  the  time  that  ever  I 
shall  have,  to  beg  Thy  saving  grace  and  mercy, 
though  it  be  short,  let  it  be  an  accepted  time. 
Have  mercy,  mercy,  mercy.  Lord,  upon  a  sinful, 
undone  soul,  and  let  me  not  be  the  firebrand  of 
Thy  hot  displeasure.  Now  glorify  Thy  grace  in 
Jesus  Christ,  who  is  an  all-sufficient  Saviour,  to 
whom  I  fly,  and  on  whom  I  cast  my  miserable 
soul.  Merciful  Saviour,  receive  it  as  thine  own  ! 
Refuse  it  not  as  unworthy,  but  for  Thy  worthi- 
ness justify  it,  and  let  Thy  Spirit  now  renew  it, 
and  let  Thy  grace  abound  where  ray  sin  abound- 
eth.  It  is  Thy  promise,  that  him  that  cometh 
unto  Thee,  Thou  wilt  in  no  wise  cast  out.  Let 
this  enemy  by  Thee  be  reconciled  to  the  Father, 
and  adopted  as  a  son  and  heir  of  life,  and  present 
me  spotless  and  acceptable  to  God.  Whether  I 
live  or  die,  I  desire  to  be  Thine :  and  though  I 
have  broken  my  covenant  wiih  Thee,  I  here 
again  renew  it :  I  give  up  myself  to  Thee,  my 
reconciled  God  and  Father,  my  Saviour  and  my 
Sanctifier.  Accept  me,  and  assuie  me  of  the 
blessings  of  thy  covenant.  And  then,  though  I 
deserve  to  dwell  with  devils,  I  shall  see  Thy 
glory,  and  be  filled  with  Thy  love,  and  with 
saints  and  angels  shall  joyfully  praise  my  Cre- 
ator, Redeemer,  and  Sanctifier,  for  ever.  Amen, 
Amen. 


4.  A  Prayer  against  tlic  Fear  of  Death. 
Grant,   O  Lord,   that  I   may  end   my  life  in 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  215 

Thy  fear  and  favor  ;  and  receive  my  death, 
wlienever  it  shall  approach,  not  as  my  curse,  but 
as  my  deliverance  ;  as  a  rest  from  my  labors, 
and  an  entrance  upon  a  life  without  trouble  and 
without  sin. 

Reniember  not  against  me  my  manifold  sins  ; 
but  let  them  all  be  done  away  by  Tiiy  mercies, 
and  my  blessed  Saviour's  merits,  and  my  own 
true  repentance,  that  I  may  come  to  my  last 
change  without  guilt,  and  foresee  its  near  ap- 
proach without  fear  or  impatience,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Strengthen  me,  O  God,  in  my  last  agonies  ; 
and  as  my  strength  decays,  let  my  pains  wear 
off.  But  when  my  strength  fails,  let  not  my 
faith  fail  ;  even  in  death  enable  me  to  trust  in 
Thee.  Deliver  me  from  all  violent  disorders  of 
a  troubled  fancy,  or  painful  delusions  of  my 
ghostly  enemy.  O  let  him  not  be  able  to  disturb 
and  terrify  me-,  or  any  way  prevail  ag'iinst  me. 
Amen. 

Have  me  in  thy  custody,  O  Holy  Father  ;  for 
nothing  can  take  me  out  of  Thy  hands.  Give 
Thy  holy  angels  charge  to  stand  about  me,  to 
guard  and  receive  my  poor  soul  at  my  departure, 
and  to  conduct  and  carry  it  to  the  blessed  re- 
ceptacles of  rest  and  peace. 

Into  Thy  hands,  O  Lord,  I  commend  my 
spirit :  for  Thou  hast  redeemed  it,  O  Lord, 
thou  God  of  truth.     Amen. 


216  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

5.  A  Prayer  for  a  blessed  Death. 

O  eternal  and  everliving  God,  who  didst  at 
first  breathe  into  man  the  breath  of  life  ;  and 
when  Thou  takest  away  that  breath  he  dies,  and 
is  turned  again  to  his  dust ;  look  with  compassion, 
I  beseech  Thee,  upon  me  Thy  creature  ;  and  let 
Thy  good  Spirit  work  in  me  whatsoever  Thou 
seest  wanting  to  fit  and  prepare  me  for  the  time 
of  my  dissolution. 

Give  me  that  sincere  and  earnest  repentance, 
to  which  Thou  hast  promised  mercy  and  pardon. 
Wean  my  heart  from  the  world,  and  all  its  fading 
vanities  ;  and  make  me  to  pant  after  those  more 
excellent  and  durable  joys  which  are  at  Thy  right 
hand  for  ever.  Lord,  lift  Thou  up  the  light  of 
Thy  countenance  upon  me  :  and  in  all  the  pains 
of  my  body,  and  all  the  agonies  of  my  spirit,  let 
Thy  comforts  refresh  my  soul,  and  enable  me 
patiently  to  wait  till  my  change  come. 

And  grant,  O  Lord,  that  when  mine  earthly 
house  of  this  tabernacle  is  dissolved,  I  may  have 
a  building  of  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal  in  the  heavens:  and  that  for  His  sake, 
who  by  His  precious  death  hath  purchased  for 
all  believers  a  sure  and  certain  title  to  everlast- 
ing life,  Jesus  Christ,  Thine  only  Son  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


OF    SICK    PERSONS. 


217 


C.  A    Prayer  that  we  may  be  prepared  for  our 
last  End. 

O  Eternal  God,  my  Maker  and  Redeemer,  I 
adore  and  bless  Thy  Holy  Name,  that  Thou  hast, 
with  such  admirable  patience,  not  only  suffered 
me  to  live  until  this  hour,  but  hast  also  mul- 
tiplied Thy  daily  mercies  upon  me,  even  then, 
when  I  by  my  most  sinful  life  have  most  un- 
kindly and  treacherously  rebelled  against  Thee. 

But  who  knoweth,  O  merciful  Lord,  how  soon 
Thine  abused  patience  may  end  ;  or  how  speedily 
Thou  mayest  call  me  to  a  sad  account  for  all  my 
former  days  so  miserably  misspent!  For,  O 
how  many  are  they  on  whom  the  morning  sun 
hath  shined,  that  shall  not  live  to  see  it  set? 
And  how  know  I  but  this  may  be  my  last  day 
too?  The  only  day  which  Thou,  O  God,  hast 
left  me,  to  set  my  soul  in  order,  and  to  prepare 
for  that  day  which  shall  never  end. 

O  my  dear  Lord^  suffer  me  not  to  neglect  this 
season,  but  by  a  hearty  repentance  speedily — 
even  this  day — this  instant — to  return  unto 
Thee  ;  that,  how  soon  soever  Thou  shalt  call  me 
from  this  life,  my  accounts  may  be  found  audited 
my  sins  cancelled,  and  my  soul  acquitted  by  the 
blood  of  that  Lamb  which  taketh  away  the  sins 
of  the  world.  Grant  this,  O  my  God,  for  His 
sake  that  vouchsafed  to  die  for  me,  Thine  only 
Son  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous.  Amen. 
19 


218  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

7.  A  Prayer  for  a  blessed  Resurrection  to  Eter- 
nal Life. 

O  merciful  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life  ;  in 
whom  whosoever  believeth  shall  live,  though  he 
die  ;  and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  Him, 
shall  not  die  eternally ;  I  meekly  beseech  Thee, 
O  Father,  to  raise  me  from  the  death  of  sin  unto 
the  life  of  righteousness,  that  when  I  shall  depart 
this  life  I  may  rest  in  Him,  as  all  Thy  faithful 
departed  do  ;  and  that  at  the  general  resurrection 
in  the  last  day  I  may  be  found  acceptable  in  Thy 
sight,  and  receive  the  blessing  which  Thy  well- 
beloved  Son  shall  then  pronounce  on  all  that 
love  and  fear  Thee,  saying,  "  Come  ye  blessed 
children  of  my  Father  ;  receive  the  kingdom 
prepared  for  you  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world."  Grant  this,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  merciful 
Father,  through  Jssus  Christ  our  Mediator  and 
Redeemer.     Amen. 


8.   A  Prayer  when  a  Sick  Person  is  joyful  and 
glad  to  die. 

O  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  I  beseech  Thy  mercy 
and  goodness,  that  Thou  w'ilt  strengthen  and 
conduct  my  soul  in  the  great  journey  which  ap- 
proacheth  unto  me.  I  believe  that  Thou  for  my 
sake  didst  die,  and  rise  again  ;  and  that  Thou, 
through  Thy  mercy,  shalt  forgive  me  all  my 
sins ;  and  that  Thou  hast  promised  me  ever- 
lasting life.  Of  this  my  belief,  O  Lord,  shalt 
Thou  be  witness  with  all  thine  elect.  This  shall 
also  be  my  last  will ;  in  this  faith,   O  Lord,  do 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  219 

I  die  upon  Thine  incomparable  mercy.  And  if 
through  pain  and  smart,  impatience,  or  other 
temptation,  I  should  or  would  shrink  from  this 
faith,  O  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee,  let  me  not  con- 
tinue in  such  unbelief  ar:d  blasphemy  ;  but 
strengthen  and  increase  my  faith,  to  the  intent  that 
sin,  hell,  and  the  devil  may  not  hurt  me.  For 
thou  art  stronger  and  mightier  than  all  they.  To 
this  do  I  steadfastly  trust ;  Lord,  let  me  not  be 
confounded.     Amen. 

9.  A  Prayer  for  a  Person  in  imminent   Danger 
of  Death. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our  health  and  life,  our 
hope,  and  our  resurrection  from  the  dead,  I  re- 
sign myself  up  to  Thy  holy  will  and  pleasure, 
either  to  life,  that  I  may  live  longer  to  Thy 
service,  and  my  amendment;  or  to  death,  to 
the  perpetual  enjoyment  of  Thy  presence,  and 
of  thy  glories.  Into  thy  hands  I  commend  my 
spirit ;  for  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  nothing  can 
perish,  which  is  committed  to  Thy  mercies.  I 
believe,  O  Lord,  that  I  shall  receive  my  body 
again  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just.  I  relin- 
quish all  care  of  that,  only  I  beg  of  thee  mercy 
for  my  soul ;  strengthen  it  with  Thy  grace  against 
all  temptations,  let  thy  loving-kindness  defend  it 
as  with  a  shield,  against  all  the  violences  and 
hostile  assaults  of  Satan  ;  let  the  same  mercy  be 
my  guard  and  defence,  which  protected  Thy 
martyrs,  crowning  them  with  victory  in  the 
midst  of  flames^  horrid  torments,  and  most  cruel 
deaths.     There  is  no  help  in   me,  O    Lord  :  I 


220  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

cannot  by  my  own  power  give  a  minute's  rest  to 
my  wearied  body  ;  but  my  trust  is  in  Thy  sure 
mercies  ;  and  I  call  to  mind,  to  my  unspeakable 
comfort,  that  Thou  wert  hungry,  and  thirsty,  and 
wearied,  and  whipt,  and  crowned  with  thorns, 
and  mocked,  and  crucified,  for  me.  O  let  that 
mercy,  which  caused  Thee  to  suffer  so  much, 
make  Thee  do  that  for  which  Thou  sufferedst  so 
much, — pardon  me,  and  save  me.  Let  Thy  me- 
rits answer  for  my  impieties,  let  Thy  righteous- 
ness cover  my  sins,  Thy  blood  wash  away  my 
stains,  and  Thy  comforts  refresh  my  soul.  As 
my  body  grows  weak,  let  Thy  grace  be  stronger  ; 
let  not  my  faith  doubt,  nor  my  hope  tremble, 
nor  my  charity  grow  cold,  nor  my  soul  be  af- 
frighted with  the  terrors  of  death  ;  but  let  the 
light  of  Thy  countenance  enlighten  mine  eyes, 
that  I  sleep  not  in  death  eternal  ;  and  when  my 
tongue  fails,  let  Thy  Spirit  teach  my  heart  to 
pray  with  strong  cryings,  and  groans  that  are 
unutterable.  O  let  not  the  enemy  do  me  any 
violence,  but  let  Thy  holy  mercies,  and  Thy 
angels,  repel  and  defeat  his  malice  and  fraud  ; 
that  my  soul  may,  by  Thy  strength,  triumph  in 
the  joys  of  eternity,  in  the  fruition  of  Thee,  my 
life,  my  joy,  my  hope,  my  exceeding  great  re- 
ward, my  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


10.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same  Occasion. 

O  Lord,  my  time  is  at  hand  ;  my  soul  is  heavy 
even  unto  death.  Look  down  upon  me ;  pardon 
my  sins  ;  strengthen  my  faith  ;  shorten  my  pains; 
and  drive  away  Satan.     Plelp  me  in  this  conflict. 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  221 

Look  upon  Thy  Christ :  He  is  my  Saviour  and 
Redeemer.  Come,  Lord  Jesus.  Into  Thy  hands 
I  commend  my  soul.  Take  it,  O  Lord  ;  take  me, 
the  work  of  Thine  own  hands  ;  let  me  die  in 
Thy  fear,  and  rise  in  Thy  favor,  that  I  may 
come  to  Thy  bliss,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 


li,  A  Prayer  loliicli  may  he  offered  for  a  Person 
in  the  Agonies  of  Death. 

Most  merciful  and  blessed  Saviour,  have  mercy 
upon  the  soul  of  this  Thy  servant ;  remember  not 
his  ignorance,  nor  the  sins  of  his  youth  ;  but  ac- 
cording to  Thy  great  mercies,  remember  him  in 
the  mercies  and  glories  of  Thy  kingdom.  Thou, 
O  Lord,  hast  opened  the  kingfbm  of  heaven  to  all 
believers  ;  let  the  everlasting  gates  be  opened, 
and  receive  his  soul ;  let  the  angels,  who  rejoice 
at  the  conversion  of  a  sinner,  triumph  and  be 
exalted  in  his  deliverance  and  salvation.  Make 
him  partaker  of  the  benefits  of  Thy  holy  incar- 
nation, life  and  sanctity,  passion  and  death,  re- 
surrection and  ascension,  and  of  all  the  prayers 
of  the  church,  of  the  joy  of  the  elect,  and  all  the 
fruits  of  the  blessed  communion  of  saints;  and 
daily  add  to  the  number  of  Thy  beatified  servants 
.  such  as  shall  be  saved,  that  Thy  coming  may  be 
•hastened,  and  the  expectation  of  the  saints  may 
be  fulfilled,  and  the  glory  of  Thee,  our  Lord 
Jesu,  be  advanced,  all  the  whole  church  singi no- 
praises  to  the  honor  of  Thy  name,  who  livest 
and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

19* 


222  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

12.  Another  Prayer  on  the  same   Occasion. 

O  most  merciful  Jesu,  who  didst  die  to  redeem 
us  from  death  and  damnation,  have  mercy  upon 
this  Thy  servant,  whom  Thy  hand  hath  visited 
with  sickness  ;  of  Thy  goodness  be  pleased  to 
forgive  him  all  his  sins,  and  seal  his  hopes  of 
glory  with  the  refreshments  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 
Lord,  give  him  strength  and  confidence  in  Thee, 
assuage  his  pain,  repel  the  assaults  of  his  ghostly 
enemies  by  thy  mercies,  and  a  guard  of  holy 
angels  ;  preserve  him  in  the  unity  of  the  church, 
keep  his  senses  entire,  his  understanding  right, 
give  him  great  measure  of  contrition,  true  faith, 
a  well-grounded  hope,  and  abundant  charity  ; 
give  him  a  quiet  and  a  jcyful  departure  ;  let  Thy 
ministering  spirits  convey  his  soul  to  the  man- 
sions of  peace  and  rest,  there  with  certainty  to 
expect  a  joyful  resurrection  to  the  fulness  of  joy 
at  Thy  right  hand,  where  there  is  pleasure  for 
evermore.     Amen. 


13.     A  Short  Form  of  recommtncUng  the  Soul 
to  God. 

Lord,  now  lettest  Thou  Thy  servant  depart  in 
peace. 

Into  Thy  hands,  O  Lord,  we  commend  his 
spirit :  for  Thou  hast  redeemed  it,  O  Lord,  Thou 
God  of  truth. 

Bring  7^25  soul  out  of  prison,  that  it  may  praise 
Thee.  ° 

O  deliver  him  from  this  body  of  death. 

Guide  Thou  him  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death. 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  223 

Say  unto  Jiis  soul,  I  am  thy  salvation. 

Say  unto  Jii?n,  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me 
in  Paradise. 

Lord  Jesus,  receive  Jiis  spirit. 

Send  Thine  angels  to  meet  him,  and  to  bring 
Jii?n  into  Abraham's  bosom. 

Place  him  in  the  habitation  of  light  and  peace, 
of  joy  and  gladness. 

Receive  him  in  the  arms  of  Thy  mercy  ;  and 
give  him  an  inheritance  with  Thy  saints  in  light. 

There  to  reign  with  Thy  elect  angels.  Thy 
blessed  saints  departed,  Thy  holy  prophets,  and 
glorious  apostles  ;  in  all  joy,  glory,  felicity,  and 
happiness,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


14.  Another  on  the  same  Occasion. 

IntoThy  merciful  hands,  O  Lord,  we  commend 
the  soul  of  this  Thy  servant,  now  departing  from 
the  body. 

Acknowledge,  we  meekly  beseech  Thee,  a 
work  of  Thine  own  hands ;  a  sheep  of  Thine  own 
fold  !  a  lamb  of  Thine  own  flock ;  a  sinner  of 
Thine  own  redeeming. 

Receive  him  into  the  blessed  arms  of  Thy  un- 
speakable mercy  ;  into  the  sacred  rest  of  ever- 
lasting peace;  and  into  the  glorious  estate  of  Thy 
chosen  saints  in  heaven.     Amen. 

God  the  Father,  who  hath  created  thee  ; 

God  the  Son,  who  hath  redeemed  thee  ; 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  hath  infused  His 
grace  into  thee  ; 

Be  now,  and  evermore,  thy  defence  ;  assist  thee 
in  this  thy  last  trial,  and  bring  thee  into  the  way 
of  everlasting  life. 


224 


PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 


Christ  that  redeemed  thee  with  His  agony 
and  bloody  death,  have  mercy  upon  thee,  and 
strengthen  thee  in  this  agony  of  death. 

Christ  Jesus  that  rose  the  third  day  from  death, 
raise  up  thy  body  again  in  the  resurrection  of  the 
just. 

Christ  that  ascended  into  heaven,  and  now 
sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  bring  thee  to  the 
place  of  eternal  happiness  and  joy. 

God  the  Father  preserve  and  keep  thee. 

God  the  Son  assist  and  sti\..igthen  thee. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost  defend  and  comfort  thee. 

God  the  Holy  Trinity  be  ever  with  thee. 

That  thy  death  may  be  precious  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord  ;  with  whom  thou  shalt  live  for  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


[When  the  company  doth  observe  a  dying  person  to  be  at 
the  very  point  o*"  death;  let  them  then  devoutly  say  the 
follow^iiig] 

15.  Commendatory  Prayer  for  a  Sick  Person  at 
the  point  of  Departure. 

O  Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect,  after  they  are  delivered 
from  their  earthly  prisons  ;  we  humbly  commend 
the  soul  of  this  Thy  servant,  our  dear  brother ^ 
into  Thy  hands,  as  into  the  hands  of  a  faithful 
Creator,  and  most  merciful  Saviour  ;  most  humbly 
beseeching  Thee,  that  it  may  be  precious  in  Thy 
sight. 

Wash  it,  we  pray  Thee,  in  the  blocd  of  that 
immaculate  Lamb,  that  was  slain  to  take  away 
the  sins  of  the  world ;  that  whatsoever  defile- 
ments it  may  have  contracted  in  the  midst  of  this 


OP    SICK    PERSONS.  225 

miserable  and  naujrhty  world,  through  the  lusts  of 
the  flesh,  or  tlie  wiles  of  Satan,  being  purged  and 
done  away,  it  may  be  presented  pure  and  with- 
out spot  before  Thee.  And  teach  us  who  survive, 
in  this  and  other  like  daily  spectacles  of  mor- 
tality, to  see  how  frail  and  uncertain  our  own 
condition  is  ;  and  so  to  number  our  days,  that  we 
may  seriously  apply  our  hearts  to  that  holy  and 
heavenly  wisdom,  whilst  we  live  here,  which  may 
in  the  end  bring  us  to  life  everlasting  ;  through 
the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  Thine  only  Son  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


16.  Devotions  lohich  may  he  used  hy  a  Minister 
or  Friend^  with  the  bereaved  Relations  and 
Friends  of  the  Deceased. 

[Any  one.  of  the  Selections  froni  the  Holy  Scriptures,  (in 
pp.  165 — 179.)  and  1  Cor.  xv.  20.  to  the  end,  may  be 
used  as  proper  lessons.] 

Just  and  true  are  Thy  ways.  Thou  King  of 
saints  :  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the  habi- 
tation of  Thy  seat. 

Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  God,  and 
shall  we  not  receive  evil  1 

It  is  the  Lord,  let  Him  do  what  seemeth  to 
Him  good. 

We  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of  this  ta- 
bernacle be  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of  God, 
a  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens. 

Sorrow  not,  brethren,  for  them  that  are  asleep, 
even  as  others  who  have  no  hope. 

For  if  VV6   believe   that  Jesus   died  and  rose 


226  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    USE 

again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will 
God  bring  with  him. 

When  Christ,  who  is  our  life,  shall  appear,  we 
shall  also  appear  with  Him  in  glory. 

Wherefore  comfort  one  another  with  these 
words. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to 
the  Holy  Ghost  : 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

[Here    may   be  sung  a  Psalm  or  Hymn  suitable  to  the 
occasion.] 

Let  us  'pray. 

Lord  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Christ  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lamb  of  God,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world,  grant  us  Thy  peace. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  &c. 

O  God,  whose  days  are  without  end,  and 
whose  mercies  cannot  be  numbered,  make  us,  we 
beseech  Thee,  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness 
and  uncertainty  of  human  life.  In  these  daily  in- 
stances of  mortality,  may  we  see  how  frail  and 
uncertain  our  own  condition  is.  Teach  us  so 
to  number  our  days, -that  we  apply  ourselves 
unto  wisdom ;  that  so  among  the  sundry  and 
manifold  changes  of  the  world,  our  hearts  may 
surely  there  be  fixed,  where  true  joys  are  to  be 
found,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Most  just  art  Thou,  O  God,  in  all  Thy  dealings 
with  us,  and  our  punishment  is  less  than  our  sins 
deserve.   We  adore  Thy  majesty,  we  revere  Thv 


OF    SICK    PERSONS.  227 

justice,  we  magnify  Tliy  mercies.  Sanctify  to 
this  family  the  afflictive  dispensation  of  Thy  Prov- 
idence. May  the  lively  sense  of  the  bereavement 
which  they  have  sustained,  lead  them  to  cleave 
more  closely  to  Thee  their  God.  In  all  their 
troubles  may  their  whole  trust  and  confidence  be 
placed  in  Thy  mercy.  Awakened  by  the  visita- 
tion of  Thy  Providence  to  a  deep  sense  of  the 
uncertainty  and  vanity  of  human  life,  may  they 
resolve  to  seek  supremely  those  things  which  are 
above  ;  to  resign  themselves  and  all  their  con- 
cerns to  Thy  disposal  ;  and  in  the  fulness  of  re- 
signation, to  say  with  the  holy  Job — "  The  Lord 
gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord." 

In  the  instance  of  mortality  before  us.  Thou 
dost  solemnly  teach  us,  that  death  is  the  end  of 
all  men.  Grant  us  who  are  living,  grace  to  lay 
it  to  heart ;  so  to  lay  it  to  heart,  as  to  live  above 
the  world,  to  seek  Thy  favor,  to  study  Thy  will, 
to  observe  Thy  laws,  and  in  all  our  actions  to  aim 
at  Thy  glory,  at  the  salvation  of  our  own  souls, 
and  the  souls  of  our  fellow-men.  When  we  go 
the  way  of  all  the  earth,  may  Thy  presence  go 
with  us,  to  sustain  and  comfort  us,  to  lead  us  to  a 
rest  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

Spare  us,  good  Lord,  spare  us,  O  merciful 
Father,  till  we  have  truly  repented  of  our  sins, 
and  made  our  peace  with  Thee,  our  offended 
Judge.  For  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  for- 
give us  our  sins.  For  his  sake,  turn  away  Thine 
anger  from  us;  enter  not  into  judgment  with  us; 
but  after  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies  look  upon 
us,  and  visit  us  with  Thy  salvation,  duicken  us, 
Almighty  God,  from  the  death  of  sin  unto  a  new 


228  PRAYERS    FOR  THOSE  WHO 

and  holy  life ;  that  being  partakers  of  the  death 
of  Thy  Son,  we  may  also  be  partakers  of  his  res- 
urrection, of  perfect  and  endless  bliss  both  in 
body  and  soul  in  Thy  heavenly  kingdom.  And 
may  the  good  examples  of  all  those  who  have  de- 
parted this  life  in  the  true  faith  of  Thy  holy 
name,  and  the  hope  of  their  eternal  blessedness, 
excite  us  to  press,  with  the  more  earnestness,  to- 
wards the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  sup- 
plications and  prayers,  and  dispose  the  way  of 
Thy  servants  towards  the  attainment  of  everlast- 
ing salvation  ;  that  among  all  the  changes  and 
chances  of  this  mortal  life,  they  may  ever  be  de- 
fended by  Thy  most  gracious  and  ready  help, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us  :  the  Lord 
make  His  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gracious 
unto  us  :  the  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon 
us,  and  give  us  peace,  both  now  and  evermore. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER  IIL 

DEVOTIONS     FOR    THOSE    WHO    ARE     AFFLICTED     IN 

ESTATE. 

The  Lord  maketh  poor,  and  He  maketh  rich  :    He  bringeth 
low,  and  He  lifteth  up.     1  Sam.  ii.  6, 

1.  Prayers,  in  the  Language  of  Scripture,  for  a 
Person  zvJio  is  forsaken  hy  his  Friends,  or  ex- 
posed to  Calumny. 

(L)  Unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  sou^  ; 
O  my  God,  I  trust  in  Thee,  let  me  not  be  asham- 


ARE  AFFLICTED  IN  ESTATE.  2*29 

ed.  Let  not  mine  enemies  triumph  over  me. 
Look  upon  mine  affliction  and  my  pain,  and  for- 
give all  my  sins.  Consider  mine  enemies,  for 
they  are  many,  and  they  hate  me  with  a  cruel 
hatred.  O  keep  my  soul  and  deliver  me  ;  let  me 
not  he  ashamed,  for  I  put  my  trust  in  Thee.  O 
Lord,  my  God,  in  Thee  do  I  put  my  trust,  save 
me  from  all  them  that  persecute  me,  and  deliver 
me.  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  against  me, 
and  let  not  the  hand  of  the  wicked  remove  me. 
They  that  hate  me  without  a  cause  are  more  than 
the  hairs  of  my  head  :  they  that  would  destroy 
me,  being  mine  enemies  wrongfully,  are  mighty. 
Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let  me  not  sink; 
let  me  be  delivered  from  them  that  hate  me,  and 
out  of  the  deep  waters.  (Psal.  xxv.  1,  2.  18 — 
20.  ;  vii.  1.  ;  xxxvi.  IL  ;  Ixix.  4.  14.) 

(2  )  Draw  nigh  unto  my  soul,  and  redeem  it. 
Thou  hast  known  my  reproach,  and  my  shame, 
and  my  dishonor  :  mine  adversaries  are  all  before 
Thee.  Deliver  me  in  Thy  righteousness,  and 
cause  me  to  escape  :  incline  Thine  ear  unto  me, 
and  save  me.  Be  Thou  my  strong  habitation 
whereunto  I  may  continually  resort.  Deliver  me, 
O  my  God,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked,  out  of 
the  hand  of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel  man  :  for 
Thou  art  my  hope,  O  Lord  God,  Thou  art  my 
trust  from  my  youth.  O  turn  unto  me,  and  have 
pity  on  me  :  give  Thy  strength  unto  Thy  servant, 
and  save  the  son  of  Thine  handmaid.  Show  me 
a  token  for  good,  that  they  which  hate  me  may 
see  it,  and  be  ashamed  :  because  Thou,  Lord, 
hast  holpen  me  and  comforted  me.  Lord  Thou 
hast  heard  the  desire  of  the  humble  ;  Thou  wilt 
20 


230  PRAYERS    FOR    THOSE    WHO 

prepare  their  heart,  Thou  wiU  cause  Thine  ear 
to  hear  :  to  judge  the  fatherless  and  the  oppress- 
ed, that  the  man  of  the  earth  may  no  more  op- 
press. Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord,  consider 
my  trouble,  which  I  suffer  of  them  that  hate  mc. 
Thou  that  liftest  me  up  from  the  gates  of  death  : 
that  I  may  show  forth  all  Thy  praise  in  the  gales 
of  the  daughter  of  Sion  :  I  will  rejoice  in  Thy 
salvation.  (Psal.  Ixix.  18,  19.;  Ixxi.  2.  5.; 
Ixxxvi.  16,  17.;  X.  17,  J 8.;  ix.  13,  14.) 

(3.)  Hold  not  Thy  peace,  O  God  of  my  praise, 
for  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  and  the  mouth  of  the 
deceitful  are  opened  against  me  :  they  have  spok- 
en against  me  with  a  lying  tongue.  O  deliver 
me  from  the  deceitful  and  unjust  man,  for  Thou 
art  the  God  of  my  strength.  Why  dost  Thou 
cast  me  off?  Why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the 
oppression  of  the  enemy?  O  send  out  Thy  light 
and  Thy  truth  ;  let  them  lead  me,  let  them  bring 
me  unto  Thy  holy  hill,  and  to  Thy  tabernacles. 
O  let  not  the  oppressed  return  ashamed  :  let  the 
poor  and  needy  praise  Thy  name.  Show  Thy 
marvellous  kindness,  O  Thou  thatsavestby  Thy 
right  hand  them  which  put  their  trust  in  Thee, 
from  those  that  rise  up  against  them.  Hide  me 
under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings  from  the  wicked 
that  oppress  me.  Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  Thy 
righteousness,  because  of  mine  enemies :  make 
Thy  way  straight  before  Thy  face.  (Psal.  cix.  1, 
3. ;  xliii.  1—3.;  Ixxiv.  21. ;  xvii.  9.  ;  v.  8.) 

(4.)  Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Lord,  and  lead  me 
in  a  plain  path,  because  of  mine  enemies.  De- 
liver me  from  the  oppression  of  man:  so  will  I 
keep  Thy  precepts.    Unto  Thee  do  I  lift  up  mine 


ARE    AFFLICTED    IN    ESTATE.  231 

eyes,  O  Thou  that  dvvellest  in  the  heavens. 
Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
us  :  for  we  are  exceedingly  filled  with  contempt. 
Let  not  them  that  are  mine  enemies  wrongfully 
rejoice  against  me.  Judge  me,  O  Lord  my  God, 
according  to  Thy  righteousness  ;  and  let  them  not 
rejoice  over  me.  [But]  let  them  shout  for  joy 
and  be  glad  that  favor  my  righteous  cause  :  yea, 
let  them  say  continually,  "  Let  the  Lord  be  mag- 
nified, which  hath  pleasure  in  the  prosperity  of 
his  servant."  And  my  tongue  shall  speak  of 
Thy  righteousness,  and  o^  Thy  praise  all  the  day 
long.  Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God,  un- 
to God  my  exceeding  joy :  yea,  upon  the  harp 
will  I  praise  Thee,  O  God  my  God.  (Psal.  xxvii. 
n.  ;  cxix.  134.  ;  cxxiii.  1.  3.  ;  xxxv.  19.  24.  27, 
28.  ;  xliii.  4.) 


2.  A  Prayer  for  Suhmission  to  the  Will  of  God, 
under  loss  of  Property  or  Friends. 

O  most  [Joly  Lord  God,  the  Supreme  Lord  and 
Governor  of  the  world,  who  art  unsearchable  in 
Thy  wisdom,  unspotted  in  Thy  justice,  and  irre- 
sistible in  Thy  power  ;  whose  goodness  hath  no 
bounds,  but  what  Thy  wise  and  holy  will  gives 
unto  it ;  and  art  immutable  in  these,  and  all  oth- 
er perfections,  the  great  God,  most  blessed  for 
ever.  It  is  most  reasonable  and  agreeable  to  our 
nature,  most  profitable  and  convenient  to  our  in- 
terest, most  satisfactory  and  suitable  to  our  wisest 
choice,  by  an  absolute  and  quiet  submission  in  all 
things  to  Thy  sovereign  wisdom,  justice,  and 
goodness,  to  declare  our  fear  and  reverence  of 


232  PRATERS    FOR    THOSE    WHO 

Thee  ;  our  unfeigned  love  to  Thee,  and  desires 
to  please  Thee  ;  our  trust  and  confidence  in 
Thee,  and  ready  dispositions  to  obey  Thee. 

Thou  art  too  great,  I  know,  to  delight  in  griev- 
ing us  Thy  poor  creatures,  and  hast  other  ways 
of  procuring  Thy  own  pleasure,  than  by  our  mis- 
ery, pain,  and  torment.  And,  therefore,  in  a  full 
persuasion  of  Thy  unerring  Providence  over  us, 
and  infinite  charity  towards  us,  1  here  most  hum- 
bly and  freely  resign  all  my  thoughts  and  desires 
unto  Thee,  submitting  myself  entirely  to  Thy  or- 
ders, and  resolving  by  Thy  gracious  assistance 
to  rest  contented  with  whatsoever  Thou  appoint- 
est.  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  (Job  i. 
2L)  Blessed  be  Thy  name,  who  hast  continued 
to  me  so  long  the  enjoyment  of  so  many  good 
things.  Blessed  be  Thy  name,  that  I  had  any 
thing  to  part  withal,  whereby  I  may  testify  my 
faith  in  Thee,  and  affection  to  Thee.  Blessed 
be  Thy  name,  that  I  have  any  of  the  comforts  of 
this  life  still  remaining,  and  that  they  are  not  all 
taken  away  from  me.  I  have  nothing  too  great, 
or  too  dear,  to  be  resigned  to  Thee,  from  whose 
bounty  I  received  all  I  have,  and  who  art  my 
best  and  my  eternal  friend. 

O  that  no  repining  thoughts  may  arise  in  my 
heart,  to  disorder  and  discompose  my  duty  to- 
wards Thee,  or  towards  my  neighbor  :  but  help 
me  rather  to  think  wherein  I  have  offended  Thee, 
and  carefully  to  amend  it ;  to  place  my  affections 
more  steadfastly  on  those  unmovable  things 
wliich  are  above  ;  to  lay  up  my  treasure  and 
hope  in  heaven,  and  to  prepare  myself  by  perfect- 


ARE    AFFLICTED    IN    ESTATE.  233 

ing  my  purity,  and  thankfulness,  and  patience, 
and  all  other  virtues,  to  be  translated  thither, 
where  our  life  is  hid  in  Thee  with  Christ  Jesus. 

I  thank  thee,  O  Father  of  mercies,  that  Thou 
hast  given  us  such  everlasting  consolation, 
through  Thy  grace  in  Him.  Every  day  will  I 
bless  Thee,  and  1  will  praise  Thy  name  for  ever 
and  ever,  for  those  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises  which  Thou  hast  given  us  to  support 
and  comfort  us  in  all  the  troubles  of  this  life. 
Increase  my  faith,  strengthen  and  confirm  my 
hope  ;  lift  up  m}-  -pirit  continually  to  that  blessed 
place  where  Jesus  i-,  that  I  may  rejoice  in  hope 
of  that  iiiiiiiortai  life,  where  all  tears  shall  be 
wiped  from  our  eyes,  and  there  shall  be  no  sigh- 
ing, nor  sorrow  any  more  ;  but  [we  who  are 
now  parted  asunder]  shall  meet  together  to  ac- 
knowledge, with  eternal  praises,  Thy  wise  and 
merciful  Providence  ;  which,  by  ways  most  con- 
trary to  our  desires,  hath  brought  us  to  endless 
and  undisturbed  bliss. 

Thou  knowest,  O  Lord,  the  weakness  and 
frailty  of  our  nature :  therefore  vouchsafe  unto 
me  the  constant  assistance  of  Thy  good  Spirit, 
(for  which  I  depend  upon  Thee)  to  enable  me 
to  continue  in  this  humble,  quiet,  and  dutiful 
submission  to  Thee,  waiting  for  that  peaceable 
and  joyful  repose  in  the  eternal  rest  which  Thou 
hast  prepared  for  Thy  people,  through  Thy  mer- 
cies in  Christ  Jesus  ;  by  whom  all  glory,  honor, 
love,  and  obedience  be  rendered  to  Thee,  by  me 
and  all  mankind,  both  now  and  for  ever.  Amen. 
20* 


234  PRAYERS    FOR    THOSE    WHO 

3.  A  Prayer  for  a  Family  after   any  grievous 
loorldly  Loss.^ 

We  have  felt  the  kindness  of  Thy  hand,  O 
Lord,  in  the  gifts  of  Thy  providence,  and  it  be- 
comes us  to  admit  its  justice  in  removing  them 
and  to  say,  the  Lord  giveth,  and  the  Lord  taketh 
away,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Thou 
hast  been  pleased  to  deprive  us  of  the  portion  of 
this  world's  goods  which  we  had  attained  by 
Thy  blessing  on  our  care  and  industry,  and  to 
which  we  had  looked  as  the  means  of  establish- 
ing our  children  in  the  world,  and  of  comfortable 
support  to  ourselves  in  the  season  of  frailty  ;  but 
while  we  feel  the  bitterness  of  this  visitation,  we 
desire  to  say,  "  It  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what 
seemeth  to  him  good."  Preserve  us  from  look- 
ing only  at  the  dark  side  of  the  cloud,  for  this 
can  merely  serve  to  fill  us  with  regret,  anxiety, 
and  fear.  We  bless  God  it  has  a  bright  side, 
and  we  will  look  to  it,  and  thank  God,  and  take 
courage.  We  bless  Thee  that  we  have  Thy  pro- 
vidential care  to  look  to,  that  Thou  canst  put  a 
special  blessing  into  the  coarsest  fare,  and  that 
none  that  trust  in  Thee  shall  be  desolate.  We 
bless  Thee  for  health  and  strength,  for  the  toils 
of  honest  industry,  and  do  Thou  so  guide  and 
prosper  us  in  them,  that  we  may  earn  daily  bread 
for  our  family,  and  may  evince  to  those  around 
us  that  the  Lord  will  not  cast  otf  forever,  but 
that  though  He  cause  grief,  yet  will  He  have 
compassion  according  to  the  multitude  of  His 
mercies. 

^  From  '  The  Family  Oblation.' 


ARE    AFFLICTED    IN    ESTATE.  235 

What  in  our  own  conduct  led  to  this  calamity 
teach  us  to  search  out,  to  bewail,  and  guard 
against  for  the  time  to  come.  Let  us  not  be 
high-minded,  but  fear.  Let  us  not  indulge  in 
speculation,  but  be  guided  by  experience.  Let 
us  not  put  ourselves  in  the  power  of  the  crafty 
and  the  specious,  but  be  prudent  and  wary ;  and 
let  us  not  affect  a  mode  of  living  unsuited  to  our 
station,  but  be  frugal  and  temperate  in  all  things. 

AVhere  others  have  had  their  hand  in  this  ca- 
lamity, let  us  not  think  of  ihem  with  revengeful 
feelings,  but  with  forgiveness.  And  while  some 
seal  their  r-iin  \>\  ''ro-.vning  all  thought  and  fore- 
sight in  iiivoxicn! :un,  may  we  engage  more  res- 
olutely than  ever  in  self-denial  and  activity. 
May  we  ever  remember  that  it  is  vice  only,  that 
degrades,  that  folly  banishes  all  pity  for  mis- 
fortune, and  that  there  is  no  hope  for  the  rise 
of  a  drunkard.  Suffer  us  not  to  use  any  artifice 
to  extricate  ourselves  from  difficulties,  or  any 
sinful  expedient  to  mitigate  the  calamity,  or  any 
unworthy  methods  to  better  our  circumstances. 
O  let  integrity  and  truth  preserve  us  ;  may  we 
wait  on  the  Lord  and  keep  His  way,  so  shall  we 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily  we  shall  be  fed. 
May  the  young  in  this  dwelling  be  disposed  and 
enabled  firmly  and  meekly  to  accommodate  them- 
selves to  such  changes  in  our  domestic  affairs 
as  may  be  necessary  ;  and  instead  of  repining, 
may  they  exercise  that  contentment  which  will 
bless  both  them  and  their  parents,  and  seek  to 
excel  in  virtue  instead  of  setting  their  hearts  on 
worldly  distinction.  O  grant  to  us  that  grace  as 
our  portion  which  no  calamity   can   injure,  and 


23G  PRAYERS    FOR    THOSE    WHO 

make  us  all  rich  towards  God.  May  we  be 
Christ's  by  the  attraction  of  His  Spirit,  and  the 
cheerful  surrender  and  devotedness  of  our  hearts, 
and  all  things  shall  be  ours,  in  as  far  as  Thou 
seest  they  are  requisite  for  our  welfare.  May 
the  Lord  be  our  sliepherd  and  we  shall  not  want, 
and  let  Thy  name  be  magnified  in  us  and  by  us, 
for  ever.     Amen. 

4.  A  Prayer  to  be  used  hy  a  Widoiv. 

0  Lord  God,  the  succourer  of  all  them  that 
are  in  distress,  the  Father  of  the  fatherless  and 
the  Husband  of  the  widow,  I  beseech  Th^e  to 
have  compassion  upon  me.  Regard  the  suppli- 
cations of  Thy  servant;  and  comfort  me,  O 
Lord,  with  a  delightful  sense  of  Thy  presence 
with  me.  Draw  my  heart  nearer  to  Thyself  in 
holy  love  and  devout  affection,  and  a  lively  hope 
that  Thou  wilt  never  leave  me  nor  forsake  me. 

1  ought  to  thank  Thee  at  all  times,  for  the 
many  tokens  ot  Thy  love  towards  me ;  and  par- 
ticularly for  lending  me  this  blessing  so  long,  the 
value  of  which  I  now  feel  by  my  want  of  its 
support.  Pardon  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  that  I 
have  not  been  so  thankful  for  it,  and  for  the  rest 
of  Thy  mercies  as  I  ought,  nor  so  carefully  im- 
proved them  as  I  might  have  done.  O  take  not 
away  Thy  loving-kindness  from  me  in  displeas- 
ure :  but  still  vouchsafe  the  continuance  of  Thy 
favor  towards  me  ;  especially  the  support  of  Thy 
divine  grace,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  to 
enable  me  to  bear  this  affliction  with  an  humble, 
meek,  and  patient  spirit. 

Moderate  all  my  passions  :  free  me  from  all 


ARE    AFFLICTED    IN    ESTATE.  237 

discontented  and  distrustful  thoughts  :  help  nie 
lo  cast  all  wy  care  on  Thee,  who  relievest  the 
fatherless  and  widow,  and  carest  even  for  the 
strangers.  Fix  my  mind  upon  Thy  love  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  ;  in  whom  Thou  wouldest  have  us  to 
rejoice  always.  Lift  up  my  thoughts  to  those 
heavenly  enjoyments  in  that  blessed  place  where 
He  is  [to  which  I  hope  my  husband  is  departed.'] 
And  help  me  to  follow  after  him  with  all  dili- 
gence, in  a  pure,  grave,  and  godly  conversation ; 
and,  by  a  careful  education  of  my  children,  to 
endeavor  that  they  may  be  also  with  us  in  that 
glory. 

Let  Thy  blessing  ever  rest  upon  them.  And 
now,  that  they  are  left  to  me  alone,  give  me  so 
mucli  the  more  wisdom  to  instruct  and  govern 
them  aright:  and  so  much  the  more  love  to 
them,  and  tender  affection  to  their  good  and 
welfare.  Make  them  to  be  a  comfort  for  me  in 
my  widowhood,  by  their  increase  in  godliness, 
that  we  may  cheerfully  serve  Thee  together,  in 
prayers  and  thanksgivings  and  reading  of  Thy 
holy  v*ord,  and  communion  with  our  blessed 
Saviour,  and  all  other  actions  of  a  Christian  life. 
Prepare  us  for  whatever  condition  into  which 
Thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  bring  us  ;  that  neither 
fulness  nor  poverty,  honor  nor  reproaches,  health 
nor  sickness,  may  ever  separate  us  from  Thy 
love  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  but  may  we  persevere  in 
patient  obedience  to  Thee,  till  we  receive  that 
crown  of  life,  which  He  hath  promised  to  them 
that  love  Thee.     Amen. 


238        PRAYERS  FOR  THOSE  WHO 

5.     A  Prayer  for  an  Orphan. 

O  Lord,  who  never  failest  them  that  seek  Thee, 
but  givest  to  the  beast  his  food,  and  to  the  young 
ravens  which  cry,  I  cast  myself  upon  Thine  in- 
finite goodness,  with  .whom  the  fatherless  have 
been  wont  to  find  mercy.  I3e  Thou,  O  Lord, 
Father  and  God  of  my  life,  a  most  merciful  and 
gracious  Father  unto  me,  and  provide  what  Thou 
seest  in  Thy  wisdom  to  be  necessary  for  me. 

Especially,  bestow  upon  me  some  faithful  friend 
that  will  admonish  me,  and  take  care  of  my  soul, 
to  bring  me  up  religiously  in  the  fear  of  Thee 
my  God.  Preserve  me  from  all  distrust  of  Thy 
good  Providence  :  give  me  favor  in  the  eyes  of 
others,  by  an  humble,  submissive,  and  good  be- 
havior towards  them.  Make  me  diligent  and  in- 
dustrious in  some  honest  calling,  and  bless  my 
labors  and  endeavors,  that  I  may  not  be  a  bur- 
then unto  others;  but  whatsoever  my  portion 
may  be  in  this  world,  give  me  grace  to  live  so  pi- 
ously, justly,  and  soberly,  that  I  may  not  miss  of 
that  '  incorruptible  inheritance,  which  fadeth  not 
away,  reserved  in  tlie  heavens  for  us,'  (1  Pet.  i. 
4.)  through  Christ  Jesus.     Amen. 


6.     A  Prayer  for  an  aged  Person. 

I  adore  Thee,  O  Lord  of  life  and  glory,  who 
art  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  and  changest 
not ;  beseeching  Thee  graciously  to  regard  Thine 
unworthy  servant,  whose  only  hope  is  in  Thine 
infinite  mercy,  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  (/hrist.  Cast  me  not  off,  O  Lord,  I  be- 
seech Thee,  in  the  time  of  old  age  ;  forsake  me 
not,  now  that  my   strength    faileth  me  :    but  be 


ARE  AFFLICTED  IN  ESTATE.        239 

Thou  pleased  to  support  me  under  the  decline  of 
nature  ;  and,  while  my  outward  man  decays,  may 
my  inner  man  be  renewed  day  by  day.  Preserve 
me  from  all  discontented  thoughts  and  peevish 
passions  ;  and  enable  me  to  glorify  Thee,  O  God, 
and  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  and  my  Sa- 
viour. 

Make  me  ever  so  mindful  of  my  frailty,  and  of 
the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  this  life,  that 
neither  sickness  nor  death  may  surprise  me  un- 
awares, or  find  me  unprepared.  O  Thou  God  of 
hope,  fill  me  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing, 
and  make  me  to  abound  in  hope  through  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  all  my  sins,  negligences,  er- 
rors, and  transgressions  committed  against  Thy 
Divine  Majesty ;  and  fill  my  heart  with  a  com- 
fortable sense  of  Thy  pardoning  mercy  in  Christ 
Jesus.  As  my  heart  and  flesh  fail,  be  Thou,  O 
God,  the  strength  of  my  heart  and  my  portion 
for  ever  ;  and  when  Thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  call 
me  hence,  may  an  abundant  entrance  be  vouch- 
safed unto  me  into  Thy  heavenly  kingdom, 
through  Jesus  Christ  my  strength  and  my  Re- 
deemer.    Amen. 


7.  A  Prayer  under   any    Injuries,    Abuses,    or 
Provocations. 

O  God,  whose  beloved  Son  was  evil-treated, 
tempted,  reviled,  spit  upon,  mocked,  and  per- 
secuted even  unto  death ;  and  whose  blessed 
disciples  had  also  trials  of  cruel  mockings  and 
scourgings,  and  of  severe  bonds  and  imprison- 
ments :  what  then   am  I  that  I  should  expect  to 


•240  THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 

escape  the  injuries,  abuses,  and  provocations  of 
this  world  ?  Therefore,  Lord,  such  as  my  folly 
and  miscarriage  have  made  my  enemies,  enable 
me  to  appease,  and  to  gain  them  to  my  friend- 
ship ;  and  such  as  hate  me  wrongfully,  pardon 
their  sin,  open  their  eyes,  purify  their  minds, 
and  convert  their  hearts  unto  Thee;  that  they 
may  see  their  fault,  be  reconciled  to  Thee,  O 
God  !  and  then  live,  as  much  as  in  them  lieth,  in 
peace  with  all  men,  that  we  may  at  last  live 
together  in  heaven.  And  for  this  end  mortify,  I 
beseech  Thee,  in  all  of  us,  the  carnal  mind,  which 
is  at  enmity  against  Thee,  and  all  tijo;  o  lusts 
which  war  in  our  members,  from  whence  wars 
and  fightings  arise  ;  unite  us  all  against  the  com- 
mon enemy  of  our  souls;  and  join  all  our  hearts 
to  Thee,  in  Thy  true  fear  and  love,  that  we  may 
not  meditate  revenge,  but  study  to  be  quiet;  and 
this  we  humbly  pray,  in  the  name  of  that  great 
pattern  of  meekness,  Thy  Son,  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

THANKSGIVINGS    FOR    DELIVERANCE    FROM    AF- 
FLICTION. 

Offer  unto  God  thanksgiving. 

Whoso  offereth  praise,  glorifieth  me. — Psalm  1.  14.  23. 

I.   A  Prayer  of   Thanlcsgiving  for   any  great 
Deliverance. 

O  God,  my  God  and  Father,  Thou  hast 
strangely  preserved  and  rescued  me  from  evil, 
and,  for  the  glory  of  Thy  own  name.  Thou  hast 
diverted  the  arrow  that  was  directed  against  me. 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  241 

What  am  I,  O  Lord,  and  what  can  I  do,  or  what 
have  I  done,  that  Thou  shouhlest  do  this  for  me? 
I  am,  O  God,  a  miserable  sinner,  and  I  can  do 
nothing  without  a  mighty  grace,  and  I  have  done 
nothing  by  myselfbut  what  I  am  ashamed  of,  and 
I  have  received  great  mercies,  and  miracles  of 
Providence.  I  see,  O  (iod,  I  see  that  Thy  good- 
ness is  the  cause  and  measure  of  all  my  hopes  and 
all  my  good  :  and  upon  the  confidence  and  great- 
ness of  that  goodness,  I  humbly  beg  of  Thy  sacred 
Majesty  to  keep  and  defend  me  from  all  evil  by 
Thy  wise  P  rovidence  ;  to  lead  me  into  all  good  by 
the  conduct  of  Thy  Divine  Spirit ;  and  where  I 
have  done  amiss  give  me  pardon,  and  where  I 
have  been  mistaken  give  me  pity,  and  where  I 
have  been  injured  give  me  Thy  favor  and  a  gra- 
cious exchange  :  that  I  may  serve  Thee  here  with 
diligence,  and  hereafter  may  rejoice  with  Thee, 
and  love  Thee  as  I  desire  to  love  Thee,  and  as 
Thoudeservest  to  be  loved,  even  with  all  the  pow- 
ers and  degrees  of  passion  and  essence,  to  eternal 
ages,  in  the  inheritance  of  Jesus,  whom  I  love, 
for  whom  I  will  not  refuse  to  die,  in  whom  I  desire 
to  live  and  die ;  to  whom  with  Thee,  O  gracious 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  glory  and 
honor,  love  and  obedience,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen.  * 


II.   A  Hymn  of  Thanhsgiving  for   Deliverance 
from  trouhle  of  Mind, 

The  bruised  reed,  O  Lord,  Thou  hast  not 
broken,  nor  quenched  the  smoking  flax.  (Matt, 
xii.  20.) 

21 


242  THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 

Tliou  hast  restored  unto  me  ll.e  joy  of  Thy 
salvation,  and  upheld  me  with  Th,y  free  Spirit. 

Thou  hast  made  me  to  hear  of  joy  and  glad- 
ness, that  the  bones  which  Thou  hast  broken  may 
rejoice.     (Psal.  li.  8.  12.) 

I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions  unto 
the  Lord,  and  Thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my 
sin. 

For  this  shall  every  one  that  is  godly  pray  unto 
Thee,  in  a  time  when  Thou  mayest  be  found. 
(Psal.  xxxii.  5,  6.) 

Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  iniquity  ; 
for  the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice  of  my 
weeping. 

The  Lord  hath  heard  my  supplication,  the 
Lord  will  receive  my  prayer.     (Psal.  vi.  8,  9.) 

He  will  regard  the  prayer  of  the  destitute,  and 
not  despise  their  prayer. 

And  this  shall  be  written  for  the  generation  to 
come ;  and  the  people  which  shall  be  created 
shall  praise  the  Lord.     (Psal.  cii.  17,  18.) 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost : 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now.  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


in.    A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  Deliverance 
from  trouble  of  Blind. 

O  merciful  Lord,  Thou  hast  caused  the  light  to 
shine  out  of  the  midst  of  darkness,  and  given  rne 
order  and  clearness,  for  my  former  confusedness 
of  thoughts,  and  settled  my  trembling  and 
troubled  spirit  in  rest  and  peace.     Thy  grace  has 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  243 

coiiifoitably  resolved  and  enlightened  me  about 
Thy  ways,  and  set  nie  free  from  niy  entangling 
scruples,  and  rid  me  of  my  dejecting  and  dis- 
quieting fears,  by  comfortable  hopes  of  Thy  free 
mercies  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Blessed  be  Thy  love,  O  gracious  Father,  for 
sending  me  such  seasonable  helps  and  suitable 
instructors,  who,  by  clear  representations  of 
things,  have  happily  removed  my  fears  and  ig- 
norance. And  blessed  be  Thy  grace,  for  opening 
my  heart  and  eyes,  and  enlightening  an'd  quieting 
my  spirit,  by  their  means.  But,  above  all,  blessed 
be  Thy  goodness,  for  giving  us  such  sweet  pro- 
mises of  favor  and  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ,  as 
may  give  poor  sinners  ease  of  heirt  and  humble 
confidence  in  Thee. 

And,  Odo  Thou,  who  hast  now  most  graciously 
spoken  peace  unto  my  soul,  maintain  and  keep  up 
clear  knowledge  and  unswerving  righteousness  in 
the  same,  that  il  relapse  not  into  guilt  and  fear, 
nor  be  clogged  and  disquieted  by  doubts  and 
scruples  any  more.  Make  me  satisfied  and  settled 
in  a  right  understanding  of  nil  good  things,  and 
careful  in  the  observance  of  them.  And  let  not 
any  busy  workings  of  the  adversary,  or  of  my 
own  melancholy,  make  me  unnecessarily  mis- 
trustful, or  suspicious,  or  unduly  jealous,  either  of 
Thee,  or  of  myself  Let  me  not  be  fickle  and 
soon  altered  in  my  persuasions  of  Thy  love,  or  in 
my  purposes  of  Thy  service.  But  fix  my  heart  in 
thoughts  of  righteousness,  and  in  the  blessings 
and  comforts  of  joy  and  peace,  for  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


244  THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 

IV.    Thanksgivings  for  Rexovcry  from  Sickness. 

1.  A  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving ,  collected  from  the. 
Holy  Scriptures. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul :  and  all  that  is 
within  me  praise  His  holy  name. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul  :  and  forget  not 
all  His  benefits.     (Psal.  ciii.  1,  2.) 

Who  can  express  the  noble  acts  of  the  Lord ; 
or  shew  forth  all  his  praise  !     (Psal   cvi.  2.) 

Which  forgiveth  all  thy  sins :  and  healeth  all 
thine  infirmities. 

Which  saveth  thy  life  from  destruction  :  and 
crowneth  thee  with  mercy  and  lovitig  kindness. 

Which  satisfietii  thy  mouth  with  good  things; 
making  thee  young  and  lusty  as  an  eagle.  (Psal. 
ciii.  3,  4,  5.) 

For  His  arrows  stuck  fast  in  me  :  and  His  hand 
pressed  me  sore. 

There  was  no  health  in  my  flesh,  because  of 
His  displeasure,  neither  was  there  any  rest  in  my 
bones,  by  reason  of  my  sin.     (Psal.  xxxviii.  2,  3.) 

My  soul  abhorred  all  manner  of  meat ;  and  I 
was  even  hard  at  death's  door.  (Psal.  cvii.  18.) 

Then  cried  I  unto  Thee,  O  Lord  :  and  gat  me 
to  my  Lord  right  humbly.     (Psal.  xxx.  8.) 

I  said,  O  my  God,  take  me  not  away  in  the 
midst  of  mine  age  :  as  for  Thy  years,  they  endure 
throughout  all  generations.     (Psal.  cii.  24.) 

But  what  profit  is  there  in  my  blood,  when  I 
go  down  to  the  pit?     (Psal.  xxx.  9.) 

Hear  my  prayer  then,  O  Lord,  and  with  Thine 
ears  consider  my  calling  :  hold  not  Thy  peace  at 
my  tears. 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  245 

O  spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover  my 
strength  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen. 
(Psal.  xxxix.  VS.  15.) 

So  vvlien  I  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  my  trouble  ; 
He  delivered  me  out  of  my  distress. 

He  sent  His  word  and  healed  me  :  and  I  was 
saved  from  destruction.     (Psal.  cvii.  19,20.) 

O  !  what  great  troubles  and  adversities  hast 
Thou  shewed  me,  and  yet  didst  Thou  turn  and 
quicken  me  :  yea,  and  broughtest  me  from  the 
deep  of  the  earth  again.    (Psal.  Ixxxi.  18.  20.) 

Therefore  will  I  praise  Thee  and  Thy  faithful- 
ness, O  God  :  I  will  offer  unto  my  God  thanks- 
giving, and  pay  my  vows  unto  the  most  Highest. 
(Psal.  1.  14.) 

For  the  grave  cannot  praise  Thee  ;  death  can- 
not celebrate  Thee:  they  that  go  down  to  the  pit 
cannot  declare  Thy  truth. 

But  the  living,  the  living,  he  shall  praise  Thee, 
as  I  do  this  day  :  the  fathers  to  the  children  shall 
make  known  the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  (Isaiah 
xxxviii.  IS,  19.) 

And  they  that  know  Thy  name  will  put  their 
trust  in  Thee  ;  for  Thou,  Lord,  hast  never  failed 
them  that  seek  Thee.     (Psal.  ix.  10.) 

As  for  me,  I  will  give  great  thanks  unto  the 
Lord  with  my  mouth  ;  and  praise  Him  among  the 
multitude.     (Psal.  cix.  29.) 

0  come  hither,  and  hearken,  all  ye  that  fear 
God  ;  and  I  will  tell  ye  what  He  hath  done  for 
my  soul.     (Psal.  Ixvi.  14.) 

1  was  in  misery,  and  like  unto  him  that  is  at 
the  point  to  die  ;  but  He  delivered  me  out  of  all 
my  fear.     (Psal.  Ixxxviii.  15. ;  xxxix.  4.) 

21* 


24G  THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 

If  the  Lord  had  not  helped  me,  it  had  not 
failed  but  my  soul  had  been  put  to  silence. 

But  when  I  said,  My  foot  hath  slipped  ;  Thy 
mercy,  OLord,  held  me  up.   (Psal.  xciv.  ]7,  18.) 

Thou  hast  turned  my  heaviness  into  joy,  Thou 
hast  put  off  my  sackcloth,  and  girded  me  with 
gladness.     (Psal.  xxx.  11.) 

The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  my  shield,  my 
heart  hath  trusted  in  Him,  and  I  am  delivered  : 
therefore  my  heart  danceth  for  joy,  and  in  my 
song  will  I  praise  him.     (Psal.  xxvii.  8.) 

O  how  plentiful  is  Thy  goodness,  which  Thou 
hast  laid  up  for  them  that  love  Thee  :  and  that 
Thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that  put  their  trust 
in  Thee,  even  before  the  sons  of  men.  (Psal. 
xxxi.  21.) 

0  ye  that  love  the  Lord,  see  that  ye  hate  the 
thing  which  is  evil  :  the  Lord  preserveth  the 
souls  of  the  faithful,  He  delivereth  them  from  the 
hand  of  the  wicked  one.     (Psrd.  xcvii.  10.) 

His  mercy  and  truth  shall  follow  me  all  the 
days  of  my  life :  and  I  will  dwell  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord  for  ever.     (Psal.  xxiii.  6.) 

1  will  keep  the  ways  of  the  Lord  :  and  will  not 
forsake  my  God  as  the  ^vicked  doth. 

For  I  have  an  eye  unto  all  His  laws,  and  will 
not  cast  out  His  commandments  from  me.  (Psal. 
xviii.  21,22.) 

Praised  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  cast  out 
my  prayer,  not  turned  His  mercy  from  me.  (Psal. 
Ixvi.  18.) 

Yea,  blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  even  the  God 
of  Israel  :  which  only  doth  wondrous  things. 

And  blessed  be  the  name  of  His   Majesty  for 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  247 

ever  :  and  let  all  the  earth  be  filled  with  His 
Majesty.  Amen.  Amen.     (Psal.  Ixxxii.  18,  19.) 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to 
the  Holy  Ghost : 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


2.  A  short  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  J  or 
Recovery. 

O  gracious  Lord,  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all 
flesh,  in  whose  hand  my  time  is,  I  praise  and 
magnify  Thee,  that  Thou  hast  in  love  to  my  soul 
delivered  it  from  the  pit  of  corruption,  and  re- 
stored me  to  health  again.  It  is  Thou  alone,  O 
Lord,  that  hast  preserved  my  life  from  destruc- 
tion ;  Thou  hast  chastened  and  corrected  me,  but 
Thou  hast  not  given  me  over  unto  death.  O  let 
this  life  which  Thou  hast  thus  graciously  spared, 
be  wholly  consecrated  to  Thee.  Behold,  O  Lord, 
I  am  by  Thy  mercy  made  whole  ;  O  make  me 
strictly  careful  to  sin  no  more,  lest  a  worse  thing 
come  unto  me.  Lord,  let  not  this  reprieve 
Thou  hast  now  given  me,  make  me  secure,  as 
thinking  that  my  Lord  delayeth  His  coming;  but 
grant  me,  I  beseech  Thee,  to  make  a  right  use 
of  this  long-suffering  of  Thine,  and  so  to  employ 
every  minute  of  that  time  Thou  shalt  allow  me, 
that  when  Thou  shalt  appear,  I  may  have  con- 
fidence, and  not  be  ashamed  before  Thee  at  Thy 
coming.  Lord,  I  have  found  by  this  approach 
towards  death,  how  dreadful  a  thing  it  is  to  be 
taken  unprepared  :  O  let  it  be  a  perpetual  ad- 
monition to  me  to  watch  for  my  Master's  coming. 


248 


THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 


And  when  the  pleasures  of  sin  shall  present  them- 
selves to  entice  me,  O  make  me  to  remember  how 
bitter  they  will  be  at  the  last.  O  Lord,  hear  me. 
and  as  Thou  hast  in  much  mercy  afforded  me 
time,  so  grant  me  also  grace,  to  work  out  my 
own  salvation,  to  provide  oil  in  my  lamp,  that 
when  the  Bridegroom  cometh,  I  may  go  with  Plim 
to  the  marriage.  Grant  this,  I  beseech  Thee,  for 
Thy  dear  Son's  sake.     Amen. 


3.  Another  slwrttr  Prayer  of  Thanlci^giving. 

O  Lord  God,  who  hast  in  Thy  tender  mercy 
prolonged  my  days  in  this  world,  give  me  grace 
to  spend  that  life  Thou  hast  now  lengthened  in 
Thy  service. 

O  give  me  grace  to  perform  all  my  resolutions 
of  new  obedience,  and  so  to  live  in  the  filial  fear 
of  Thee,  all  the  remainder  of  my  life,  that  I  may 
at  last  die  at  peace  with  myself,  at  peace  with  the 
whole  world,  and  at  peace  with  Thee  ;  through 
Thy  well-l)eloved  Son,  my  blessed  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


4.  A  larger  Form  of  Thanksgiving  for  Recovcri/. 

Most  gracious  and  merciful  God,  to  whom 
alone  belong  the  issues  of  life  and  death  ;  T,  Thy 
unworthy  servant,  who  have  been  under  Tliine 
afflicting  hand,  and  am  raised  again  from  the  bed 
of  sickness,  do  here  present  myself  before  Thee, 
in  a  thankful  sense  of  Thy  great  mercy  and 
goodness  towards  me.  Thou  hast  chastened  and 
corrected  me,  but  Thou  hast  not  given   me  over 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  249 

unto  death.  Thou  hast  saved  my  life  irom  de- 
struction, and  crowned  me  with  mercy  and 
loving-kindness.  Blessed  be  Thy  holy  name, 
for  supporting  me  under  the  pain  and  anguish  of 
my  sick  bed,  for  the  seasonable  supplies  of  pa- 
tience and  comfort  which  Thou  didst  graciously 
afford  me,  and  for  restoring  me,  in  Thy  good 
time  to  the  blessings  of  health  and  strength.* 

But  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  the  pain  and  weak- 
ness wherewith  Thou  hast  visited  me  were  not 
for  the  punishment  of  my  body,  but  for  the  im- 
provement of  my  soul ;  to  let  me  see  the  frailty 
of  my  nature,  and  the  uncertainty  of  my  life  ;  to 
wean  me  from  the  delights  of  this  world,  and  to 
engage  me  in  a  serious  preparation  for  the  next; 
in  all  which  I  thankfully  acknowledge  Thy  father- 
ly care  over  me,  and  that  Thou  of  very  faithful- 
ness hast  caused  me  to  be  afflicted. 

I  adore  the  richness  of  Thy  goodness,  in  giv- 
ing me  a  right  knowledge  of  Thee  and  Thy 
ways,  in  these  Thy  dispensations  to  me,  and  in 
making  them  the  happy  means  to  bring  me  to  a 
sense  of  the  evil  of  my  doings,  and  to  a  serious 
consideration  of  my  future  state.  Before  I  was 
afflicted,  I  went  astray ;  I  forgot  my  duty  to 
Thee  and  followed  the  imaginations  of  my  own 
heart ;  my  thoughts  were  taken  up  with  the 
business  and  entertainments  of  this  world,  and 
the  care  of  my  soul  was  neglected  and  forgotten. 
But  Thy  chastisements   have    brought   me   back 


*  When  any  person,  during  the  time  of  sickness,  hath 
been  light-headed,  he  or  she  may  add,  [and  to  the  perfect 
use,  of  my  reason  and  understanding.] 


250  THANKSGIVINGS    FOR 

into  tlie  right  way ;  and  now,  to  my  unspeakable 
comfort  and  happiness,  my  affections  are  placed 
upon  the  things  above,  and  the  things  that  con- 
cern my  everlasting  salvation.  To  Thee,  there- 
fore, O  my  God,  who  hast  not  cut  me  off  m  the 
midst  of  my  sins,  but  hast  in  great  mercy  given 
me  space  for  repentance  and  amendment;  to 
Thee  will  I  live  hi  holiness  and  righteousness, 
all  my  days ;  forsaking  every  evil  way,  and 
studying  above  all  things  to  do  that  which  is 
well-pleasing  in  Thy  sight.  I  am  heartily  grieved 
at  the  sins  and  vanities  of  my  former  life,  and  do 
here  soleinnly  reiiounce  them  all  ;  more  especially 
those  which  [  have  been  hitherto  most  guilty  of, 
and  to  which  my  own  corrupt  inclinations,  or  the 
snares  and  temptations  of  the  world,  are  most 
like  to  betray  me  foi-  the  time  to  come.*  And 
in  a  sen-^e  of  i.My  own  weaknor-  and  frailty,  I 
earncc>{]y  implore  \he  a.-ri:  taricc  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirii,  to  subdue  my  inordinate  desires,  to 
break  the  power  of  all  evil  habits  and  to  keep 
me  steadfast  in  every  promise  and  resolution 
that  I  made  before  Thee,  in  the  day  of  my 
distress ;  all  which  I  do  now,  in  Thy  presence, 
most  sincerely  and  heartily  lenew.  And  I  be- 
seech Thee,  let  me  never  be  drawn  to  forget  or 
neglect  them,  either  by  the  cares  and  pleasures 
of  this  world,  or  by  the  hopes  of  a  long  continu- 
ance in  it,  but  give  me  grace  always  to  make 
eternity  my  chief  care  and  concern  ;  and  let 
Thy  late  gracious  warning  of  mortality  teach  me 

*  Here  confess  the  sins  you  have  been  most  guilty  of, 
and  against  which  you  do  therefore  particularly  resolve. 


DELIVERANCE    FROM    AFFLICTION.  251 

the  uncertainty  of  my  abode  upon  eartl),  and 
oblige  me  to  live  in  a  daily  preparation  to  die. 
That  so  having  duly  profited  by  Thy  fatherly 
chastisement,  and  employing  the  remainder  of 
my  days  to  Thy  glory,  and  the  salvation  of  my 
own  soul,  I  may  be  found  watching,  whenever 
my  appointed  time  shall  come,  and  may  change 
this  frail  state  of  mortality  for  an  immortal  crown 
of  glory.  All  which  I  humbly  beg  of  Thee, 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
my  blessed  Saviour  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


5.  A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  a  Patient  in  a 
Hospital  or  Infirmary,  on  his  recovery  from 
Sickness. 

Most  gracious  and  merciful  God,  the  fountain 
of  life,  1  return  Thee  humble  and  hearty  thanks 
for  having  spared  the  life  of  Thy  servant.  I  adore 
Thee,  as  the  author  of  my  cwc,  and  praise  Thee 
for  the  success  Thou  hast  given  to  those  applica- 
tions which  were  the  means  of  effecting  it.  May 
I  remember  the  chastisements,  the  instructions, 
and  the  deliverance  I  have  received  ;  and  may  I 
be  enabled  to  perform  the  good  resolutions  I  made 
in  my  sickness.  As  Thou  hast  condescended  to 
hearken  to  the  prayer  of  so  sinful  a  creature,  may 
T  call  upon  Thee  as  long  as  I  live.  Being  made 
lohole,  may  I  go  away  and  sin  no  more,  lest  a  worse 
thing  come  unto  me.  Having  known  the  bitter- 
ness of  affliction,  may  ^  pity  and  endeavor  to  re- 
lieve those  who  labor  under  it:  and  may  I  never 
forget  my  obligation  to  Thee,  and  all  the  kindness 


252  PRAYER    OF  THANKSGIVING. 

of  thope  about  me,  [especially  to  the  subscribers 
to  this  hospital,  cnicl  my  other  belief  actors,^  whom 
I  liumbly  recommend  to  Thy  continual  kindness 
and  everlasting  favor,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord  and  only  Saviour.     Amen. 


6.  A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  for  Deliverance 
from  a  pestilential  Epidemic. — (From  the 
Book  oj  Common  Prayer.) 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  hast  wounded  us  for  our 
sins,  and  consumed  us  for  our  transgressions,  by 
Thy  late  heavy  and  dreadful  visitation  ;  and  now, 
in  the  midst  of  judgment  remembering  mercy, 
hast  redeemed  our  souls  from  the  jaws  of  death  : 
we  humbly  acknowledge  before  Thee,  O  most 
merciful  Father,  that  all  the  punishments  which 
are  threatened  in  Thy  law  might  justly  have 
fallen  upon  us,  by  reason  of  our  manifold  trans- 
gressions and  hardness  of  heart.  Yet,  seeing  it 
hath  pleased  Thee  of  Thy  tender  mercy  to 
assuage  the  contagious  sickness,  wherewith  we 
have  lately  been  sore  afflicted,  and  to  restore  the 
voice  of  joy  and  health  into  our  dwellings  ;  we 
offer  unto  Thy  Divine  Majesty,  ourselves,  our 
souls  and  bodies  which  Thou  hast  delivered,  to 
be  a  living  sacrifice  unto  Thee,  praising  and 
magnifying  Thy  glorious  name  for  Thy  preserva- 
tion and.  providence  over  us,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


APPENDIX, 


BY    THE    AMERICAN    EDITOR, 


DEVOTIONAL  POETRY 


soul  of  ocr  souls,  and  saff.guakd  of  the  world  ! 

sustain, thou  only  canst, the  sick  at  heart  j 

restore  their  languid  spirits,  and  recall 
their  lost  affections  unto  thee  and  thine. 

Wordsworth. 


TAKK  tP  THE  LESSO.X,  O  .ITV   iJEAKT  J 

TiiOU   LORD    OF   iVEEKNESS,  AVRITE  IT  THERE  : 
THIXE  OWN  MEEK  SELF  TO  ME  IMPART, 

THV  Lnfry  hope,  thv  lowly  prayer. 

GENTLY  ALONG  THE  YALE  OF  TEARS 

LE^.I>  ME  FROM  TaBOR's  SL'N-BRIGHT  STEEP^ 

let  die  sot  grudge  a  few  short  years 

with  thee  toward  hkaven  to  walk  and  weif. 

Keble. 


I  N  DEX. 


Afflictions  s&nctifiod  by  the  word.       Coivper,  14 
'As  thy  day,  so  shall  thy  strength  be,' 

Mrs.  Sigoumey.  13 

Believer's  Refuge  The          C.  Wesley.  II 

'Blessed  are  the  dead,'         Mis.  Sigoumey.  25 

'Broken  in  heart/  To  one,        Bishop  Doane.  ?9 

Christian  Race,  The         Watts.  12 

Compassionate  High  Priest,  The      R.  Grant.  8 

Contentment,        Mrs.  Steele.  28 

'  Dead  in  Christ,'  The        Bishop  Doane.  30 

Dirg«,       Milmasi.  15 
'Dove,   wfaom  the  Lord  hath  wounded,' 

Bishop  Doane.  31 

Encouragement,       Boicdler.,  22 

Evening,         Keble.  21 

Faith,         Miss  C.  Fry.  16 
Fountain  opened  in  the   Church,    The 

Bishop  Doune.  28 

VIL     Friend,  The        Bishop  Home.  10 

VL     Friends,  Death  of,        Montgomery.  9 

XXII.    Grace,        3Iisf  C.  Fry  SJO 

I.     Gratitude  to  God.        Addison  5 

in.     Hnbitual  Devotion,         Miss  H.  M.  ll'iUiams.  7 

XVTL     Innocents,  Death  of.        Bishop  Hebcr.  17 

XXXIII.    'It  is  well !'        Bishop  Doane.  29 

XX Vq.     Leaf,  The         Bishop  Home.  24 

XXX.     Light  shining  out  of  Darkness,        Coxvper.  27 

XXV.     Litany,  The         R.Grant.  23 

XVL     Penitential,         Sternhold.  17 

VIII.     Praver  answered  by  Crosses,        Neioion.  II 

XII.     Psalm  XXIIl.         Tate  and  Brady.  13 

V.     Psalm  XXXIII,  12— 14.         Tate  ^nd  Brady.  9 

XXL     Ps:ilm  XXXVI,  5— S.          Tate  and  Brady.  £0 

II.     Psalm  cm,  1—8.         Tat^  und  Brady.  6 

XIX.     Redeemed,  Song  of  the,         Montgomery.  18 

XI.     Retrospection,       Bishop  Middleton.  13 

XXIX.     Supplication,         Bishop  Heber.  26 

XXVII.    Trust  in  God,       Neivton.  25 

XX.    Watchfulness  and  Prayer,       Mrs.  Steele.  19 


DEVOTIONAL   POETRY. 


I      Gratitude  to  God.     Aduisos- 

When  all  t'ay  mercies,  O  my  Ood, 

My  risinj^  soul  surveys  ; 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 

In  wonder,  love  and  praise-. 

O  how  shall  lo^re  with  equa.1  warmth 

The  gratitude  declare , 
That  glows  witiiin  iny  ravished  heart ! — 

But  Tliou  canst  read  it  there. 

Thy  providence  my  Jife  sustain'd. 

And  all  my  wants  redrest, 
When  in  \.he.  silent  womb  1  lay, 

And  hung  upon  the  breast. 

To  all  my  weak  complaints  and  crieK 

Thy  mercy  lent  an  ear, 
Ere  yet  my  feeble  thoughts  "had  learnt 

To  form  themselves  in  prayer. 

Unnumbered  eoraforts  to  my  soul 

Thy  tender  caie  bestowed, 
Before  my  infant  heart  conceiv'd 

From  whom  those  comforts  flow'd. 

When  in  the  shppery  paths  of  3'outh 

WitJi  heedless  steps  I  ran, 
Thine  arm  unseen  conveyed  me  safe. 

And  led  mu  up  to  man. 

Through  hidden  dangers,  toils  and  deaths, 
It  gently  cleared  my  way, 
A* 


And  through  the  pleasing  snares  of  vice, 
More  to  be  feared  than  they. 

When  worn  with  sickness,  oft  hast  Thou 
With  health  renewed  my  face, 

And,  when  in  sins  and  sorrow  sunk, 
Revived  my  soul  with  grace. 

Thy  bounteous  hand  with  worldly  bliss 

Has  made  my  cup  run  o'er, 
And  in  a  kind  and  faithful  friend 

Hast  doubled  all  my  store. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daily  thanks  employ  ; 
Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart, 

That  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 

Through  every  period  of  my  life 

Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue  ; 
And  after  death,  in  distant  worlds, 

The  glorious  theme  renew. 

When  nature  fails,  and  day  and  night 

Divide  thy  works  no  more, 
My  ever  grateful  heart,  O  Lord, 

Thy  mercy  shall  adore. 

Through  all  eternity  to  Thee 

A  joyful  song  I'll  raise. 
For,  oh  !  eternity's  too  short 

To  utter  all  thy  praise. 


n.     Psalm  103. 1—8.  Tate  and  Brady. 

My  soul,  inspired  with  sacred  love, 
God's  holy  name  forever  bless; 

Of  all  His  favors  mindful  prove. 

And  still  thy  grateful  thanks  express. 

'  T  is  He  that  all  thy  sins  forgives, 
And,  after  sickness,  makes  thee  sound; 


From  danger  He  thy  life  retrieves, 

By  Huu  with  grace  and  mercy  crown'd. 

He  with  good  things  thy  mouth  supplies, 
Tiiy  vigor,  eagle-like,  renews; 

He,  when  the  guiltless  sufferer  cries, 
His  foe  with  just  revenge  pursues. 

God  made,  of  old,  His  righteous  ways 
To  Moses  and  our  fathers  known ; 

His  works,  to  His  eternal  praise, 
Were  to  the  sons  of  Jacob  shown. 

The  Lord  abounds  with  tender  love, 
And  unexampled  acts  of  grace; 

His  wakened  wrath  doth  slowly  move, 
His  willing  mercy  flies  apace. 

God  will  not  always  harshly  chide. 
But  with  His  anger  quickly  part ; 

And  loves  His  puni^hments  to  guide 
More  by  His  love  than  our  desert. 

As  high  as  heaven  its  arch  extends 

Above  this  little  spot  of  clay, 
So  much  His  boundless  love  transcends 

The  small  respects  that  we  can  pay. 

As  far  as  '  tis  from  east  to  west, 
So  far  has  He  our  sins  remov'd. 

Who  with  a  father's  tender  breast 

Has  such  as  feared  Him  always  lov'd. 


HI.     Huhitual  Devotion.     Miss  H.  M.  Williams. 

While  Thee  1  seek,  protecting  Power, 

Be  my  vain  wishes  still'd  ; 
And  may  this  consecrated  hour 

With  better  hopes  be  fill'd. 
Thy  love  the  power  of  thought  bestow'd  ; 

To  Thee  my  thoughts  would  soar  : 


Thy  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flow'd ; 
That  mercy  I  adore. 

In  each  event  of  hfe,  how  clear, 

TJiy  ruling  hand  I  see  ! 
Each  blessing  to  my  soul  more  dear, 

Because  conferred  by  Thee. 
In  every  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

[n  every  pain  1  bear, 
My  heart  sliall  find  delight  in  praise, 

Or  seek  relief  in  prayer. 

When  gladness  wings  my  favor'd  hour, 

Thy  love  my  thoughts  shall  fill  ; 
Resigned,  when  storms  of  sorrow  lower, 

My  soul  shall  meet  Thy  will. 
My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 

The  galheri ag  storm  shall  see  ; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  know  no  fear, 

That  heart  shall  rest  on  Thee. 


IV.     T/ie  Comjjassionate  High  Priest.     R-  Grant. 

When  gathering  clouds  around  1  view. 
And  days  are  dark  and  friends  are  few, 
On  Him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain 
Experienced  every  human  pain  ; 
He  feels  my  grief,  He  sees  my  fears. 
And  counts,  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 

If  aught  should  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 

From  heavenly  wisdom's  narrow  way, 

To  fly  the  good  1  would  pursue, 

Or  do  the  will  1  would  not  do, 

Still  He,  who  felt  temptation's  power, 

Shall  guard  me  in  that  dangerous  hour. 

When  vexing  thoughts  within  me  rise. 
And,  sore  dismayed,  my  spirit  dies. 
Then  He  who  once  vouchsafd  to  bear 
The  sickening  anguish  of  despair. 
Shall  sweetly  soothe,  shall  gently  dry 
The  throbbing"  heart,  the  streaming  eye. 


y 


When,  sorrowing,  o'er  some  stone  I  bend, 
Wliich  covers  all  that  was  a  friend, 
And  from  liis  voice,  his  hand,  his  smile. 
Divides  me  for  a  little  wliile, 
Thou,  Saviour,  seest  the  tears  I  shed. 
For  thou  didst  weep  o'er  Lazarus  dead. 

And,  O  !  when  I  have  safely  pass'd 
Through  every  conflict  but  the  last. 
Still,  still  unchanging,  watch  beside 
My  bed  of  death, — for  Thou  hast  died  ! 
Then  point  to  realms  of  endless  day, 
And  wipe  the  latest  tear  away. 


V.     Psalm  33.  12—14.     Tate  and  Brady. 

'T  is  God,  who  those  that  trust  in  Him 

Beholds  with  gracious  eyes  ; 
He  frees  their  soul  from  death,  their  want 

In  time  of  dearth  supplies. 

Our  soul  on  God  with  patience  waits  ; 

Our  Help  and  Shield  is   lie; 
Then,  Lord,  let  still  our  iic'a,ils  rejoice. 

Because  we  trust  in  Thee. 

The  riches  of  thy  mercy,  Lord, 

Do  thou  to  us  extend  ! 
Since  we,  for  all  we  want  or  wish. 

On  Thee  alone  depend. 


VL     Death  of  Friends.     MontgOxMERY. 

Friend  after  friend  departs  ! 

Who  hath  not  lost  a  friend  ? 
There  is  no  union  here  of  hearts, 

That  finds  not  here  an  end. 
Were  this  frail  world  our  final  rest. 

Living  or  dying  none  were  blest. 

Beyond  the  flight  of  time, 
Beyond  the  reign  of  death, 


10 


There  surely  is  some  blessed  dime, 

Where  hte  is  not  a  breath  ; 
Nor  life's  affections  transient  fire 

Whose  sparks  fly  upward  and  expire. 

There  is  a  world  above, 

Where  partinor  is  unknown  ; 
A  long  eternity  of  love, 

Formed  for  the  good  alone  ; 
And  faith  beholds  the  dying  here 

Translated  to  that  glorious  sphere. 

Thus  star  by  star  declines, 

Till  all  are  passed  away  ; 
As  morning  high  and  higher  shines 

To  pure  and  perfect  day  ; 
Nor  sink  those  stars  in  empty  night. 

But  hide  themselves  in  heaven's  own  light. 


VII.     TJie  F/ic/id.     Bishop  Horne. 

The  fastest  fri-'iiJ  the  world  affords 

Is  quickly  from  ii'e  go.ie  : 
Faithless  behold  him  turn  his  back, 

And  leave  me  all  alone  ! 

"  My  friend,  sincerely  yours  till  death:''' 

The  world  no  further  goes  : 
Perhaps  while  earth  to  earth  is  laid, 

A  tear  of  pity  flows. 

Be  thou,  my  Saviour,  then,  my  friend  : 

In  Thee  my  soul  shall  trust, 
Who  false  wilt  never  prove  in  death, 

Nor  leave  me  in  the  dust. 

Home  while  my  other  friends  return, 

All  solemn,  silent,  sad, 
With  thee  my  flesh  shall  rest  in  hope, 

And  all  my  bones  be  glad. 


11 

VIII.     Prayers  answered  by  Crosses.    Newton. 

I  asked  the  Lord  that  I  might  grow- 
In  faith  and  love  and  every  grace  ; 
Might  more  of  His  salvation  know, 
And  seek  more  earnestly  His  face. 

'T  was  He  who  taught  me  thus  to  pray^ 
And  He  I  trust  has  answered  prayer. 

But  it  has  been  in  such  a  way 
As  almost  drove  me  to  despair. 

I  hoped  that  in  some  favored  hour, 
At  once  He'd  answer  my  request  ,* 

And  by  His  love's  constraining  power. 
Subdue  my  sins,  and  give  me  rest. 

Instead  of  this,  he  made  me  feel 

The  hidden  evils  of  my  heart ; 
And  let  the  angry  powers  of  hell 

Assault  my  soul  in  every  part. 

Yea,  more,  with  his  own  hand  he  seemed 

Intent  to  aggravate  my  woe  ; 
Crossed  all  the  fair  designs  I  schemed , 

Blasted  my  gourds,  and  laid  me  low. 

Lord,  why  is  this  ?     I  trembling  cried, 
Wilt  thou  pursue  thy  worm  to  death  .-* 

"  'Tis  in  this  way,"  the  Lord  replied, 
'"1  answer  prayer  for  grace  and  faith. 

"  These  inward  trials  I  employ 
"  From  self  and  pride  to  set  thee  free  \ 

"  And  break  thy  schemes  of  earthly  joy, 
"  That  thou  mayest  seek  thy  all  in  me." 

IX.     Tlie  Believer's  Refuge.     C.  Wesley. 

Jesus,  refuge  of  my  soul, 

Let  me  to  thy  bosom  fly, 
While  the  raging  billows  roll, 


12 

While  the  tempest  still  is  high  ; 
Hide  me,  O  my  Saviour,  hide, 

Till  the  storm  of  life  is  past, 
Safe  into  the  haven  guide, 

Then  receive  my  soul  at  last, 

Other  refuge  have  I  none, 

Hangs  my  helpless  soul  on  Thee  ; 
Leave,  ah,  leave  me  not  alone, 

Still  support  and  comfort  me  : — 
All  my  trust  on  Thee  is  staid, 

All  my  help  from  Thee  I  bring, 
Cover  my  defenceless  head 

With  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 

Plenteous  grace  with  thee  is  found, 

Grace  to  pardon  all  my  sin ; 
Let  the  healing  streams  abound. 

Make  and  keep  me  pure  within : — 
Thou  of  life  the  fountain  art. 

Freely  let  me  take  of  Thee  ; 
Spring  Thou  up  within  my  heart, 

Rise  to  all  eternity. 


X.     The  Christian  Race.    Watts. 

Awake  our  souls,  away  our  fears. 

Let  every  trembling  thought  be  gone ; 

Awake  and  run  the  heavenly  race, 
And  put  a  cheerful  courage  on. 

True,  *t  is  a  strait  and  thornj'  road, 
And  mortal  spirits  tire  and  faint ; 

If  they  forget  the  mighty  God, 

Who  feeds  the  strength  of  every  saint. 

The  mighty  God  whose  powerful  hand 
Has  matchless  works  of  wonder  done  ; 

And  shall  endure,  whilst  endless  years 
Their  everlasting  circles  run. 

From  Him,  the  overflowing  spring, 
Our  souls  shall  drink  a  rich  supply  ; 


n 


Whilst  those,  who  trust  their  native  strength, 
Shall  melt  away,  and  droop  and  die. 

Swift  as  an  eagle  cuts  the  air, 

We'll  mount  aloft  to  Thine  abode  ; 

On  wings  of  love  our  souls  will  fly, 
Nor  tire  amidst  the  heavenly  road. 


XI.     Retrospection.     Bishop  Middletojs. 

As  o'er  tlie  past  my  memory  strays, 

Why  heaves  the  secret  sigh  ? 
'T  is  that  I  mourn  departed  days, 

Still  unprepared  to  die. 

The  world  and  worldly  things  beloved. 
My  anxious  thoughts  employed  ; 

And  time,  unhallov/ed,  unimproved, 
Presents  a  fearful  void. 

Yet,  holy  Father,  wild  despair 

Chase  from  my  laboring  breast  3 
Thy  grace  it. is  which  prompts  the  prayer, 

That  grace  can  do  the  rest. 

My  life's  brief  remnant  all  be  thine  ; 

And  when  Thy  sure  decree 
Bids  me  this  fleeting  breath  resign, 

O  speed  my  soul  to  Thee. 


XII.     Psalm  23.     Tate  and  Brady. 

The  Lord  himself,  the  mighty  Lord, 

Vouchsafes  to  be  my  guide ; 
The  Shepherd  by  whose  constant  care 

My  wants  are  all  supplied. 

In  tender  grass  He  makes  me  feed, 

And  gently  there  repose  ; 
Then  leads  me  to  cool  shades,  and  where 

Refreshing  water  flows.  / 
B 


14 

He  does  my  wandering  soul  reclaim, 

And,  to  His  endless  praise, 
Instruct  with  humble  zeal  to  walk 

In  His  most  righteous  ways. 

I  pass  the  gloomy  vale  of  death. 
From  fear  and  danger  free  ; 

For  there  His  aiding  rod  and  staff 
Defend  and  comfort  me. 

In  presence  of  my  spiteful  foe 

He  does  my  table  spread  ; 
He  crowns  my  cup  with  cheerful  wine, 

With  oil  anoints  my  head. 

Since  God  doth  thus  his  wondrous  lov( 
Through  all  my  life  extend, 

That  life  to  Him  I  will  devote. 
And  in  His  temple  spend. 


XHI.     Affliction  sanctified  hy  the  Word.     Cowpek. 

0  how  I  love  thy  holy  word, 
Thy  gracious  covenant,  O  Lord  ; 
It  guides  me  in  the  peaceful  way  ; 

1  think  upon  it  all  the  day. 

What  are  the  mines  of  shining  wealth. 
The  strength  of  youth,  the  bloom  of  health  ! 
What  are  all  joys  compared  with  those 
Thine  everlasting  word  bestows  ! 

Long  unafflicted,  undismay'd. 
In  pleasure's  path  secure  I  stray'd  ; 
Thou  madest  me  feel  Thy  chastening  rod, 
And  straight  I  turned  unto  my  God. 

What  though  it  pierced  my  fainting  heart, 
1  blessed  thy  hand  that  caused  the  smart ; 
It  taught  my  tears  awhile  to  flow, 
But  saved  me  from  eternal  woe. 


Oh  !  hadst  Thou  left  me   unchastis'd, 
Tliy  precept  1  had  still  despis'd, 
An  I  still  the  snare  in  secret  laid, 
Had   my  unwary  feet  betray 'd. 

1  love  Thee,  therefore,  O  my  God, 
And  breathe  towards  thy  dear  abode  ; 
Where  in  thy  presence  fully  blest, 
Thy  chosen  saints  forever  rest. 


XIV.     Dirge.    MiLMAN. 

Brother,  thou  art  gone  before  us, 

And  thy  saintly  soul  is  flown, 
Where  tears  are  wiped  from  every  eye, 

And  sorrow  is  unknown  : 
From  the  burden  of  the  flesh, 

And  frozii  care  and  fear  released. 
Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 

And  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

The  toilsome  way  thou'st  travelled  o'er. 

And  borne  the  heavy  load, 
But  Christ  haUi  taught  thy  languid  feet 

To  reach  his  blest  abode. 
Thou'rt  sleeping  now  like  Lazarus 

Upon  his  father's  breast, 
Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 

And  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

Sin  can  never  taint  thee  now. 

Nor  doubt  thy  faith  assail, 
Nor  thy  meek  trust  in  Jesus  Christ, 

And  the  Holy  Spirit,  fail. 
And  there  thou'rt  sure  to  meet  the  good 

Whom  on  earth  thou  lovedst  best, 
Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling. 

And  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

<'  Earth  to  earth,"  and  "■  Dust  to  dust," 
The  solemn  priest  hath  said, 


16 


So  we  lay  the  turf  above  thee  now, 
And  we  seal  thy  narrow  bed  ; 

But  thy  spirit,  brother,  soars  away 
Among  the  faithful  blest, 

Where  tlie  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
And  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

And  when  the  Lord  shall  summon  us, 

Whom  thou  bust  left  behind, 
May  we,  untainted  by  the  world, 

As  sui-e  a  welcome  find  ; 
May  each,  hke  thee,  dejjart  in  peace, 

To  be  a  glorious  guest, 
Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 

And  the  weary  ar^  at  rest. 


XV.     Faith.     Miss  Caroline  Fry. 

Faith,  like  a  simple,  unsuspecting  child. 
Serenely  resting  on  its  mother's  arm, 

Reposing  every  care  upon  her  God, 

Sleeps  on  his  bosom,  and  expects  no  harm: 

Receives  with  joy  the  promises  he  makes, 
Nor  questions  of  his  purpose  or  his  power  : 

She  does  not  doubting  ask,  "  Can  this  be  so.?  " — 
The  Lord  has  said  it,  and  there  needs  no  more. 

However  deep  be  the  mysterious  word. 
However  dark,  she  disbelieves  it  not; 

Where  Reason  would  examine,  Faith  obeys, 
And  "  It  is  written,"  answers  every  doubt. 


Conscience  repeats  her  tale  of  misery  ; 

And  powers  infernal,  wakeful  to  destroy, 

Urge  the  worn  spirit  to  despair  and  die. 

As'evening's  pale  and  solitary  star 

But  brightens  while  the  darkness  gathers  round, 
So  Faith,  unmoved  amidst  surrounding  storms, 

Is  fairest  seen  in  darkness  most  profound. 


17 

XVI,     Penitential.      Sternhold. 

Oh  Lord,turn  not  Thy  face  away  from  them  that  lowly  lie, 
Lamenting  sore  their  sinful  life  with  tears  and  bitter  cry  ! 
Thy  mercy  gates  are  open  wide  to  them  that  mourn  their 

sin  ; 
Oh  shut  them  not  against  us,  Lord,  but  let  us  enter  in  ! 

We  need  not  to  confess  our  fault,  for  surely  Thou  canst 

tell; 
What  we  have  done,  and  what  we  are,  Thou  knowest 

very  well ; 
Wherefore,  to  beg  and  to  entreat,  with  tears  we  come  to 

Thee, 
As  children  that  have  done  amiss  fall  at  their  father's  knee. 

And  need  we  then,  oh  Lord  !  repeat  the  blessing  which 

we  crave  ! 
When  Thou  dost  know,  before  we  speak,  the  thing  that 

we  would  have  ? 
Mercy  !  oh,  Lord, — mercy  we  seek : — this  is  the  total 

sum  ! 
For  mercy,  Lord  !  is  all  our  prayer, — oh,  let  Thy  mercy 

come ! 


XVIL     Death  of  the  Innocents.     Bishop  Heber. 

Oh  weep  not  o'er  thy  children's  tomb. 

Oh  Rachel,  weep  not  so  ! 
The  bud  is  cropt  by  martyrdom, 

The  flower  in  heaven  shall  blow  ! 

Firstlings  of  faith  !  the  murderer's  knife 

Has  missed  its  deadliest  aim  : 
The  God  for  whom  they  gave  their  life, 

For  them  to  suifer  came  ! 

Though  feeble  were  their  days  and  few. 

Baptized  in  blood  and  pain, 
He  knows  them  whom  they  never  knew, 

And  they  shall  live  again. 
B* 


18 


Then,  weep  not  o'er  thy  children's  tomb. 

Oh  Rachel,  weep  not  so  ! 
The  bud  is  cropt  in  martyrdom. 
The  flower  in  heaven  shall  blow  ! 


XVIII.     '^  As  thy  Day,  so  shall  thy  Strength  be. 

Mrs.  SiGouRNEr, 

When  adverse  winds  and  waves  arise, 
And  in  my  heart  despondence  sighs, 
When  life  her  throng  of  care  reveals, 
And  weakness  o'er  my  spit  it  steals. 
Grateful  I  hear  the  kind  decree 
That,  as  my  day,  my  strength  shall  be. 

When  with  sad  footstep  memory  roves 
Mid  smitten  joys  and  buried  loves, 
When  sleep  my  tearful  pillow  flies, 
And  dewy  morning    drinks  my  sighs, 
Still  to  thy  promise,  Lord,  1  flee. 
That,  as  my  day,  my  strength  shall  be. 

One  trial  more  must  yet  be  passed. 
One  pang — the  keenest  and  the  last — 
And  when  with  brow  convulsed  and  pale, 
My  feeble,  quivering  heart-strings  fail, 
Redeemer,  grant  my  soul  to  see 
That,  as  her  day,  her  strength  shall  be  ! 


XIX.     The  Song  of  the  Redeemed.     Montgomery. 

What  are  these  in  bright  array, 

This  innumerable  throng, 
Round  the  altar  night  and  day, 

Hymning  one  triumphant  song; 
"  Worthy  IS  the  Lamb  once  slain, 

"  Blessing,  honor,  glory,  power, 
"  Wisdom,  riches,  to  obtain, 

"  New  dominion  every  hour." 


19 

These  through  fiery  trials  trode, 

These  from  great  affliction  came  : 
Now  before  the  throne  of  God, 

Sealed  with  his  almighty  name ; 
Clad  in  raiment  pure  and  white, 

Victor-palms  in  every  hand, 
Through  their  dear  Redeemer's  might, 

More  than  conquerors  they  stand. 

Hunger,  thirst,  disease  unknown, 

On  immortal  fruits  they  feed  ; 
Them,  the  Lamb  amidst  the  throne, 

t^hall  to  living  fountains"  lead  J 
Joy  and  gladness  banish  sighs, 

Perfect  love  dispels  all  fears, 
And  forever  from  their  eyes 

God  shall  wipe  away  the  tears. 


XX.     Watchfulness  and  Prayer.    Mrs.  Steeli. 

Alas,  what  hourly  dangers  rise  ! 

What  snares  beset  my  way  ! 
To  heaven  O  let  me  lift  my  eyes, 

And  hourly  watch  and  pray. 

How  ofl  m}'  mournful  thoughts  complain, 

And  melt  in  flowing  tears  ! 
My  weak  resistance,  ah,  how  vain  ! 

How  strong  my  foes  and  fears  1 

O  gracious  God,  in  whom  1  live 

My  feeble  efforts  aid ; 
Help  me  to  watch,  and  pray,  and  strive. 

Though  trembling  and  afraid. 

Increase  my  faith,  increase' my  hope, 

When  foes  and  fears  prevail ; 
And  bear  my  fainting  spirit  up, 

Or  soon  my  strength  will  fail. 

Whene'er  temptations  fright  my  heart, 
Or  lure  my  feet  aside. 


20 

My  God,  Thy  powerful  aid  impart, 
My  guardian  and  my  guide. 

O  keep  me  in  thy  heavenly  way, 
And  bid  the  tempter  flee  ; 

And  let  me  never,  never  stray 
From  happiness  and  Thee  ! 


XXI.    Psalm  36.  5—8.    Tate  and  Brady. 

But,  Lord,  Thy  mercy,  my  sure  hope, 
Above  the  heavenly  orb  ascends; 

Thy  sacred  truth's  unmeasured  scope 
Beyond  the  spreading  sky  extends. 

Thy  justice  like  the  hills  remains; 

Unfathomed  depths  thy  judgments  are; 
Thy  providence  the  world  sustains  ; 

The  whole  creation  is  thy  care. 

Since  of  thy  goodness  all  partake, 
With  what  assurance  should  the  just 

Thy  sheltering  wings  their  refuge  make, 
And  saints  to  thy  protection  trust. 

Such  guests  shall  to  thy  courts  be  led. 
To  banquet  on  thy  love's  repast; 

And  drink,  as  from  a  fountam's  head. 
Of  joys  that  shall  forever  last. 

XXII.     Grace.     Miss  Caroline  Fry. 

Grace  does  not  steel  the  faithful  heart, 

That  it  should  know  no  ill ; 
We  learn  to  kiss  the  chastening  rod. 

And  feel  its  sharpness  still. 

The  saint  may  be  compelled  to  meet 

Misfortune's  saddest  blow  ; 
His  bosom  is  alive  to  feel 

The  keenest  pang  of  woe. 


^1 

But,  ever  as  the  wound  is  given, 

There  is  a  hand  unseen, 
Hasting  to  wipe  away  the  scar, 

And  hide  where  it  has  been. 

The  Christian  would  not  have  his  lot 

Be  other  than  it  is  ; 
For,  while  his  Father  rules  the  world, 

He  knows  that  world  is  his. 

He  knows  that  He  who  gave  the  best. 

Will  give  hiui  all  beside ; 
Assured  each  seeming  good  he  asks 

Is  evil,  if  denied. 

When  storms  of  sorrow  gather  round, 

His  bosom  owns  no  fear  ; 
He  knows,  where'er  his  portion  be, 

His  God  will  still  be  there. 

And  when  the  threatened  storm  has  burst, 

Whate'er  the  trial  be, 
Something  yet  v/hispers  him  within, 

'*  Be  still,  for  it  is  He  !  " 

Poor  nature,  ever  weak,  will  shrink 

From  the  afflictive  stroke  ; 
But  faith  disclaims  the  hasty  plaint 

Impatient  nature  spoke. 

His  grateful  bosom  quickly  learns 

Its  sorrows  to  disown  ; 
Yields  to  his  pleasure,  and  forgets 

The  choice  was  not  his  own. 


XXIII.     Evening.     Keble. 

Sun  of  my  soul  I  Thou  Saviour  dear. 
It  is  not  night  if  thou  be  near ; 
Oh  may  no  earth-born  cloud  arise 
To  hide  Thee  from  Thy  servant's  eyes. 


22 

Abide  with  me  from  morn  till  eve, 
For  without  Thee  I  cannot  live, 
Abide  with  me  when  night  is  nigh. 
For  without  Thee  I  dare  not  die. 

Thou  Framer  of  the  light  and  dark, 
Steer  through  the  tempest  tliine  c«vvu  ark  ; 
Amid  the  howling  wintry  sea, 
We  are  in  port  if  we  have  Thee. 

"Watch  by  the  sick ;  enrich  the  poor 
With  blessings  from  thy  boundless  store; 
Be  every  mourner's  sleep  to-night 
Like  infant's  slumbers  pure  and  light. 

Come  near  and  bless  us  when  we  wake, 
Ere  through  the  world  our  way  we  take, 
Till  in  the  ocean  of  Thy  love 
We  lose  ourselves  in  heaven  above. 


XXIV.     Encouragement.     Bowdler. 

O  God,  my  heart  within  me  faints, 
And  pours  in  sighs  her  deep  complaints. 
Yet  many  a  thought  shall  linger  still. 
By  Carmel  s  height  and  Tabor's  rill, 
The  Olive  Mount  my  Saviour  trod, 
The  works  that  saw  and  owned  their  God, 

The  morning  beam  that  wakes  the  skies, 
Shall  see  my  matin  incense  rise. 
The  evening  seraphs  as  they  rove, 
Shall  catch  the  notes  of  joy  and  love  t 
And  sullen  night  with  drowsy  ear. 
The  still  repeated  anthem  hear. 

My  soul  shall  cry  to  thee,  O  Lord, 

To  thee,  supreme  incarnate  Word, 

My  rock  and  fortress,  shield  and  friend, 

Creator,  Saviour,  source  and  end  ; 

And  thou  wilt  hear  Thy  servant's  prayer. 

Though  death  and  darkness  speak  despair. 


23 


Ah  !  why  by  passing  crowds  oppressed, 
Should  vexing  thougtits  distract  thy  breast  ? 
Turn,  turn  to  Him,  in  every  pain, 
Whom  never  suppliant  sought  in  vain  ; 
Thy  strength  in  joy's  ecstatic  day, 
Thy  hope,  when  joy  has  passed  away. 

XXV.     The  Litany.     R.  Grant. 

Saviour,  when  in  dust  to  Thee, 
Low  we  bow  the  adoring  knee. 
When,  repentant,  to  the  skies 
Scarce  we  lilt  our  streaming  eyes, — 
O,  by  all  the  pains  and  woe, 
Suffered  once  for  man  below, 
Bending  from  Thy  throne  on  high. 
Hear  our  solemn  litany  ! 

By  Thy  helpless  infant  )'ears, 

By  Thy  life  of  wants  and  tears, 

By  Thy  days  of  sore  distress 

In  the  savage  wilderness, 

^y  the  dread  permitted  hour 

Of  the  insulting  Tempter's  power, — 

Turn,  O  turn  a  pitying  eye, 

Hear  our  solemn  litany  ! 

By  the  sacred  grief  that  wept 
Oer  the  grave  where  Lazarus  slept, 
By  the  bodino-  tears  that  flowed 
Over  Salem's  loved  abode, 
By  the  anguished  tear  that  told 
Treachery  lurked  within  Thy  fold, — 
From  Thy  seat  above  the  sky. 
Hear  our  solemn  litany  1 

By  Thine  hour  of  dire  despair. 
By  Thine  agony  of  prayer, 
By  the  cross,  the  nail,  the  thorn. 
Piercing  spear,  and  torturing  scorn, 
By  the  gloom  that  veiled  the  skies 
O'er  the  dreadful  sacrifice, — 


24 

Listen  to  our  humble  cry, 
Hear  our  solemn  litany  ! 

By  the  deep  expiring  groan, 
By  the  sad  sepulchral  stone, 
By  the  vault  whose  dark  abode 
Held  in  vain  the  rising  God, — 
O,  from  earth  to  heaven  restored, 
Mighty  re-ascended  Lord, — 
Listen,  listen  to  the  cry 
Of  our  solemn  litany  ! 


XXVL     The  Leaf.     Bishop  Horne. 

See  the  leaves  around  us  falling, 
Dry  and  withered  to  the  ground  ; 

Thus  to  thoughtless  mortals  calling, 
In  a  sad  and  solemn  sound. 

Sons  of  Adam,  once  in  Eden, 

Blighted  when  like  us  he  fell. 
Hear  the  lecture  we  are  reading, 

'Tis,  alas  !  the  truth  we  tell. 

Virgins,  much,  too  much  presuming 
On  your  boasted  white  and  red, 

View  us,  late  in  beauty  blooming, 
Numbered  now  among  the  dead. 

Youths,  though  yet  no  losses  grieve  you, 
Gay  in  health  and  manly  grace. 

Let  not  cloudless  skies  deceive  you, 
Summer  gives  to  autumn  place. 

Venerable  sires,  grown  hoary, 
Hither  turn  the  unwilling  eye, 

Think,  amidst  your  falling  glory, 
Autumn  tells  a  winter  nigh. 

Yearly  in  our  course  returning, 
Messengers  of  shortest  stay, 


25 

Thus  we  preach  this  truth  concerning, 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 

On  the  Tree  of  Life  eternal, 
Man,  let  all  thy  hope  be  staid, 

Which  alone,  forever  vernal, 
Bears  a  leaf  that  shall  not  fade. 


XXVn.     Trust  in  God.     Newton. 

Be  still,  my  heart  1  these  anxious  cares 
To  thee  are  burdens,  thorns  and  snares; 
They  cast  dishonor  on  thy  Lord, 
And  contradict  His  gracious  word. 

Brought  safely  by  His  hand  thus  far. 
Why  wilt  thou  now  give  place  to  fear .'' 
How  canst  thou  want  if  He  provide, 
Or  lose  thy  way  with  such  a  guide  .'' 

When  first  before  his  mercy -seat. 
Thou  didst  to  Him  thy  all  commit. 
He  gave  thee  warrant,  from  that  hour, 
To  trust  His  wisdom,  love,  and  power. 

Did  ever  trouble  yet  befall, 
And  He  refuse  to  hear  thy  call  ? 
And  has  He  not  His  promise  passed, 
That  thou  shalt  overcome  at  last  ? 

Though  rough  and  thorny  be  the  road, 
It  leads  thee  home,  apace,  to  God  ; 
Then  count  thy  present  trials  small. 
For  Heaven  will  make  amends  for  all. 


XXVHL     Blessed  are  the  Dead.     Mrs.  Sigourney. 

They  dread  no  storm  that  lowers, 

No  perished  joys  bewail. 
They  pluck  no  thorn-clad  flowers, 

Nor  drink  of  streams  that  fail. 


26 

There  is  no  tear-drop  in  their  eye, 

Nor  change  upon  their  brow, 
The  placid  bosom  heaves  no  sigh, 

Though  all  earth's  idols  bow. 

Who  are  so  greatly  blessed  f 

From  whom  hath  sorrow  fled  ? 
Who  find  such  deep  unbroken  rest 

While  all  things  toil  ?— The  dead  ! 
The  holy  dead  ! — Yfhy  weep  ye  so 

Above  their  sable  bier  ? 
Thrice  blessed  !  they  have  done  with  woe. 

The  living  claim  the  tear. 

Go  to  their  sleeping  bowers, 

Deck  their  lone  couch  of  clay 
With  early  Spring's  uncolored'  flowers, 

And,  when  they  fade  away. 
Think  of  the  amaranthine  wreath, 

The  bright  bovvers  never  dim, 
And  tell  me  why  thou  fliest  from  death, 

Or  hid'st  thy  friends  from  him  ? 

We  dream,  but  they  awake; 

Dark  visions  mnr  our  rest; 
Mid  thorns  and  snares  our  way  we  take, — 

And  yet  we  mourn  the  blessed. 
For  those  who  throng  the  eternal  throne, 

Lost  are  the  tears  we  shed  : 
They  are  the  living,  they  alone. 

Whom  thus  we  call  the  dead. 


XXIX.     Supplication.     Bishop  Heber. 

Oh  God  that  rnadest  earth  and  sky,  the  darkness  and  the 

day, 
Give  ear  to  this  thy  family,  and  help  us  when  we  pray  ! 
For  wide  the  waves  of  bitterness  around  our  vessel  roar, 
\nd  heavy  grows  the  pilot's  heart,  to  view  the  rocky 

shore  I 


27 


The  Cross  our  Master  bore  for  us,  for  Him  we  fain  would 
bear, 

But  mortal  strength  to  weakness  turns,  and  courage  to 
despair  ! 

Then  mercy  on  our  failings,  Lord  !  our  sinking  faith  re- 
new ! 

And  when  Thy  sorrows  visit  us,  oh,  send  Thy  patience 
too! 


XXX.     Light  shining  out  of  Darkness.     Cowper. 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 

His  wonders  to  perform  ; 
He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea, 

And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 

Of  never-failing  skill, 
He  treasures  up  his  bright  designs, 

And  works  his  sovereign  will. 

Ye  fearful  snints,  fresh  courage  take, 

The  clouds  ye  so  much  dread 
Are  big  with  mercy,  and  shall  break 

In  blessings  on  your  head. 

Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense, 

But  trust  him  for  His  grace  j 
Behind  a  frowning  providence 

He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  every  hour ; 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower. 

Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err, 

And  scan  his  work  in  vain  ; 
God  is  His  own  interpreter, 

And  He  will  make  it  plain. 


28 

XXXI.     Contentvient.     Mrs.  Steele. 

Father,  whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 

Thy  sovereign  will  denies, 
Accepted  at  thy  throne  of  grace, 

Let  this  petition  rise. 

Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart, 

From  every  murmur  fiee, 
The  blessings  of  Thy  grace  impart, 

And  let  me  live  to  Thee. 

Let  the  sweet  hope  that  Thou  art  mine, 

My  life  and  death  attend, 
Thy  presence  through  my  journey  shine. 

And  crown  my  journey's  end  ! 

XXXn.     The  Fountain  opened  in  the  Church.     G.  W.  D. 

Within  the  church  a  fountain  springs. 
It  started  from  the  Saviour's  side  ; 

Peace,  pardon,  joy  to  all  it  brings, — 
The  life-blood  of  the  crucified. 

Its  living  streams  forever  flow. 

Forever  pure,  forever  free  ; 
The  spirit's  solace  here  below, 

Its  succor  for  eternity. 

"  Ho,  every  one  that  thirsts  draw  nigh  " — 

Beloved,  hear  the  voice  divine  ! 
The  broken  heart,  the  contrite  sigh, 

Are  welcome  there,  and  these  are  thine. 

Come,  then, — the  Spirit  calls, — come  near. 
In  humble  faith,  in  trembling  love  : 

Drink  comfort  for  thy  sorrows  here, 
And  taste  before  the  bliss  above. 


29 
XXXIIl.     "  It  is  well !  "     G.  W.  D. 

Beloved,  "  it  is  well  I  " — 

God's  ways  are  always  right; 

And  love  is  o'er  them  all, 
Though  far  above  our  sight. 

Beloved,"  it  is  well  !  " — 

Though  deep  and  sore  the  smart, 
He  wounds  who  skills  to  bind 

And  heal  the  broken  heart. 

Beloved,  "  it  is  well  !  " — 
Though  sorrow  clouds  our  way, 

'Twill  make  the  joy  more  dear, 
That  ushers  in  the  day. 

Beloved,  "  it  is  well !  " — 

The  path  that  Jesus  trod, 
Though  rough  and  dark  it  be, 

Leads  home  to  heaven  and  God 


XXXIV.     To  one  "Broken  in  heart:'     G.  W.  D. 

Broken-hearted,  weep  no  more  ! 

Hear  what  comfort  He  hath  spoken, 
Smoking  flax  who  ne'er  hath  quenched. 
Bruised  reed  who  ne'er  hath  broken, — 
"  Ye  who  wander  here  below, 
"  Heavy  laden  as  you  go, 
"  Come,  with  grief,  with  sin  oppressed, 
"  Come  to  me,  and  be  at  rest !  " 

Lamb  of  Jesus'  blood-bought  flock, 

Brought  again  from  sin  and  straying, 
Here  the  Shepherd's  gentle  voice,' — 
'Tis  a  true  and  faithful  saying  ; — 
"  Greater  love  how  can  there  be 
"  Than  to  yield  up  life  for  thee  ? 
"  Bought  with  pang,  and  tear,  and  sigh, 
"  Turn  and  live  !— why  will  ye  die  ?  " 


30 


Broken-hearted,  weep  no  more  ! 

Far  from  consolation  flying: 
He  who  calls  hath  felt  thy  wound, 

Seen  thy  weeping,  heard  thy  sighing; — 
"  Bring  thy  bruken  heart  to  nie, 
"  Welcome  offering  it  shall  be, 
"  Streaming  tears  and  bursting  sighs, 
"  Mine  accepted  sacrifice  !  " 


XXXV.     "  The  Dead  in  Christ:'     G.  W.  D. 

Lift  not  thou  the  wailing  voice, 

Weep  not,  'tis  a  Christian  dieth  ; — 

Up,  where  blessed  saints  rejoice, 
Ransomed  now,  the  spirit  flieth  : 

High,  in  Heaven's  own  light,  she  dwelleth, 

Full  the  song  of  triumph  swelleth  ; 

Freed  from  earth,  and  earthly  failing, 

Lift  for  her  no  voice  of  wailing  ! 

Pour  not  thou  the  bitter  tear  ! 

Heaven  its  book  of  comfort  opeth  ; 
Bids  ihee  sorrow  not,  nor  fear. 

But  as  one  who  alway  hopeth  : 
Humbly  here  in  faith  relying, 
Peacefully  in  Jesus  dying, 
Heavenly  joy  her  eye  is  flushing, — 
Why  should  thine  with  tears  be  gushing  ! 

They  who  die  in  Christ  are  blessed, — 
Ours  be,  then,  no  thought  of  grieving  ! 

Sweetly  with  their  God  Ihey  rest. 
All  their  toils  and  troubles  leaving  : 

So,  be  ours  the  faith  thai  saveth, 

Hope  that  every  trial  braveth, 

jjove  that  to  the  end  endureth, 

And,  through  Christ,  the  crown  secure th  ! 


31 


CXXVI.     To  a  Dear  One,  in  Deep  Sorrow.     G.  W.  D. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

Return  to  Hiin,  and  live  ; 
For  he  alone  who  aimed  the  shaft 

The  remedy  can  give. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

The  bolt  was  sped  in  love, 
To  win  thee  from  earth's  fleeting  scenes 

To  better  things  above. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hat2i  wounded, 

He  bares  for  thee  his  breast, 
And  bids  thee  enter  in,  and  be 

For  evermore  at  rest. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

Yet  waiteth  to  revive, 
Return  to  Him  ! — He  wounds  and  heals, 

He  kills  and  makes  aUve. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

Break  through  all  dull  delay  : 
His  strength  will  bear  thy  pinions  up, 

His  goodness  guide  thy  way. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

Though  soiled  with  sorrows  here, 
With  silver  wings,  and  plumes  of  gold, 

In  heaven  thou  shall  appear. 

Dove,  whom  the  Lord  hath  wounded, 

No  more  let  earth  delay  ; 
But  onward,  upward,  be  our  flight, 

To  realms  of  cloudless  day  I 


',-^:^'^f. 


